Mikel Obi Retires From International Football
John Mikel Ibi has announced his retirement from International football and will seize representing the Nigerian National team from henceforth.
The 32 year old midfielder had 89 caps to his name between the years 2005 and 2019 whence adorned the green and white colours, finding the back of the net six times.
The Nigerian captain who now plies his trade in Turkey for Trabzonspor has revealed that the 2019 African Cup of Nations would be his last appearance at the continental event.
“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,” the midfielder 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.
“The 2019 African Cup of Nations marks my last championship for national team with Super Eagles.”
This didn’t come as a surprise to many Nigerians in spite of Gernot Rohr’s comments about the experienced midfielder where the German said Mikel Obi could guide his young team for a few more years in their quest to reach the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
“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,” Mikel added.
“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.”
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The 32 year old Nigerian International represented the West African country in the last two World Cups before helping the Super Eagles to winning the 2013 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Mikel made two appearances for the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the ongoing continental competition in Egypt where they sealed a third place finish with a 1-0 win over Tunisia.
