MIKEL OBI: Why I’m Retiring From Super Eagles

Captain of the Super Eagles, John Mikel Obi has announced his retirement from the country’s national team.

This comes barely a day after the eagles secured a third-place win of Bronze medals over Tunisia at the ongoing African Cup of Nations, AFCON 2019 in Egypt.

While announcing his retirement on his Instagram handle on Thursday, Mikel wrote: “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.”

Widely considered a great player by football fans because of his leadership trait and stamina on the field of play, Obi featured for just two matches against Burundi and Madagascar in the tournament.