Apparently John Obi Mikel doesn't just divide the community at We Ain't Got No History. His very presence also tears whole countries apart:

The midfield was porous and we therefore have to get Mikel back. So, whatever differences the coach may have with him and Osaze (Odemwingie) must be addressed before the next game.

-Abdul Wudil. Source: All Africa.

As a matter of urgency, Mikel and Osaze must be recalled because even though they are good, the players from the Nigeria league have struggled when it matters most. "Mikel and Osaze are matured players who can still hold their own against anybody.

-Nigeria Senator Abdulaziz Usman.

And you thought the debates in the comments section here was bad. Apparently, the reason that Mikel didn't participate in the Super Eagles' last Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, a rather limp 2-2 draw against Liberia, is because he expressed concern that the match would be played on artificial turf and head coach Stephen Keshi decided that that meant that the midfielder wasn't committed to his country.

Even as someone who'd rather Nigeria not go to the tournament this winter (losing Victor Moses and Mikel would be annoying), doesn't it seem fairly obvious that if your team's struggling to qualify you'd rather have a starter for Chelsea over Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis) and Obiora Nwankwo (Padova)? I mean, that would kind of make sense to me. But hey, this is good for Chelsea in the long run.