Mikel out of Mozambique match

The Nigeria midfielder was subbed after the first period in Chelsea's 3-1 loss at Wigan and it was later reported on the Chelsea website that he picked up an ankle knock.

Mikel told KickOffNigeria.com that the prognosis is a three-week layoff.

"It’s very bad and I am going to be out for three weeks," he told KickOffNigeria.com on Monday.

It means the earliest the former Plateau United star can return to action will be a week after the Mozambique game.

Mikel's absence will be a major setback to Shuaibu Amodu's match plans, with the exclusion of Kalu Uche in his call-ups for the game.

Amodu's replacement midfielders are Yusuf Ayinla, Seyi Olofinjana, Olufemi Ajilore and Sani Kaita, with skipper Nwankwo Kanu an option for the middle.

Nigeria are two points behind group leaders Tunisia with two games to go and play Mozambique on October 11 at the Abuja National Stadium.