  We consider neutral pseudoscalar, $\eta $, and axial vector, $f_1(1420)$,
mesons in the OZI-rule-respecting flavor basis, $\lbrace (\bar s s), {1\over
\sqrt{2}}(\bar u u + \bar d d)\rbrace$, and suggest a scenario for their
coupling to the nucleon. Within this framework, the non--strange parts of the
$\eta N$ and f$_1 N$ couplings are modeled by means of triangular $a_0\pi N$,
and $K K^* (\Lambda /\Sigma)$ vertices, while the strange ones partly proceed
via Goldberger-Treiman relations, which have been concluded solely on the
grounds of current universality. The suggested model explains the observed
suppression of the $\eta N$ coupling with respect to the constituent quark
model expectations, and predicts the coupling of $f_1$ to the nucleon.
