Obi Mikel refuses to pay Nigeria fine after emotional visit to father

Chelsea star John Obi Mikel is caught up in an international row with his country Nigeria after refusing to pay a £3,220 fine for arriving late to training.
The midfielder was ordered to report for duty by midnight on Tuesday but delayed his arrival until Wednesday.
It is understood the 24-year-old did not link up with Super Eagles 22-man squad as requested after deciding to pay a visit to his father in the central Nigerian town of Jos.
Obi Mikel’s father Michael Obi was freed in August after suffering a 10-day kidnap ordeal, where he was beaten ‘mercilessly’ by his captors,and it is believed the player paid an emotional visit.

The Blues star is refusing to settle a team fine for missing the set meeting deadline, casting a shadow over Nigeria’s preparations ahead of their crunch 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea.

‘No, I don’t think I will pay any fine because I did not do anything wrong,’ he said.
I have reported to the camp and I have a very, very genuine reason (for not coming until Wednesday).

‘If the manager (Samson Siasia) would tell Nigerians my reason, anyone in that situation will reason with me.’