All is not well inside the Eagles nest as coach pounce on journalist, players' anger at 'special' Mikel

Battle for equal treatment, fairness and frustrating draw against Burkina Faso and Zambia is tearing Nigeria's Super Eagles apart in South Africa.

Midfielder refused to play at right back against Zambia:

The former youth international believes he can establish himself as an “important player” in the Super Eagles – but not at right-back.

Asked to replace suspended Efe Ambrose, the player told his coach: "I'm not a right back, I've never played that position before, please get someone else or play me in my role, thank you."

Obviously, the European-based player could not hide his disappointment after he was left out of the opening game against Burkina Faso.

Your job, your call 'Big boss':

Frustrated and angry during the Zambia game, Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi turned to his bench and said: "Look, you guys better tell Nosa (Igiebor) to stop walking around aimlessly and track back for me."

However, Nigerian players are apparently not pleased with Keshi’s reaction. They felt he should not openly criticise his players, one player told me: "I was on the field playing but others felt he should have called Nosa aside during a short break and make his point."

Shut it Mr Journo:

Coach Stephen Keshi launched a furious tirade against a Nigerian journalist when asked what he thought of his side’s 'lack of discipline' against Zambia here on Friday.

Keshi whilst walking towards the mixed zone exit, became more and more aggressive and angry in his language.

"Did you watch a different game? What indiscipline? Is that the stupid question you waited to ask me? I don't think you saw the game, so please, get that thing (recorder) away from me." He left charging towards the exit door.

Special player, Prince Mikel:

Apparently, some  players are not happy with Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi's general attitude in camp and lackadaisical reaction after missing his penalty against Zambia.

"Vincent Enyeama should have taken it, Mikel only took one against Liberia and felt he's good enough for it," one player told me.

Players have also questioned the integrity of the manager after they suggested Mikel receive preferential treatment over his teammates.

"They feel Mikel has the freedom to do whatever on the pitch and off it. They don't think the coach is afraid of him but always babysitting him," a source close to the team said.

"Imagine, if he makes an error there's no one to scold him, others don't get such a treatment, that's unfair."

Pictures: Reuters and codewit.com