Mikel Obi Retires From The Super Eagles

Nigeria captain, John Obi Mikel has announced his retirement from international football. The 32-year-old midfielder made 89 appearances for his country between 2005 and 2019, scoring six times.

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Egypt is a country where I’ve started and have finished my National career. In 2006 I played my first official championship for my Country. 2019 African Cup of Nations marks my last championship for National Team with Super Eagles. My national career started in 2003 under 17 World Cup and I’m grateful for the national team for placing me on the world arena and giving me an opportunity to show my skill and have an incredible National and International career. At the age of 32 it’s time for me to retire from the National team and let the youth take over, who’ve done an amazing job securing a bronze medal at AFCON 2019. Thank you to all my Nigerian supporters and to my Country for all the trust, support and love you’ve shown me over the past 15 years. Mikel am out!

A post shared by Mikel Obi (@mikel_john_obi) on Jul 18, 2019 at 4:33am PDT

Mikel’s decision to quit the Super eagles was made known after the victory against Tunisia in the battle for third place at the 2019 AFCON. The Super Eagles captain sustained an injury during the 2019 AFCON competition in Egypt and was only able to play two games during the group stage.

“At the age of 32 it’s time for me to retire from the national team and let the youth take over, (sic) who’ve done an amazing job securing a bronze medal at AFCON 2019,” he wrote on social media.

“Egypt is a country where I’ve started and have finished my national career. In 2006 I played my first official championship for my country.