Nigeria FA insist Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel will remain suspended from all national team duty.

NFA spokesman Ademola Olajire said: "Mikel remains suspended indefinitely because this is a statement about discipline."

The 20-year-old was suspended by the NFA when he pulled out injured from a qualifier against Uganda last season.

Olajire added: "The senior team coach does not want him yet and the under-23 chief coach does not need him.

"The NFA Chairman is not making any statement regarding Mikel and will not be doing so anytime soon." he told BBC Sport.

"No one can pressure the NFA into taking any decision on the matter soon since his case is a direct deterrent to others.

"The boy remains out of the fold and in the cold."