Deportes

Mikel Obi Announces Retirement from National Team

por Gertrudis Escoto·Julio 20, 2019 02:42
​Ighalo & Mikel retire from Nigeria

​Ighalo & Mikel retire from Nigeria

Odion Ighalo and John Obi Mikel have both retired from global football. "After the game, he gave his jersey as a souvenir to the coach, said his goodbyes and left", a source close to the player said.

In a post on Instagram, he said: "Egypt is a country where I've started and have finished my national career", explaining that exactly 13 years ago, he started his first competitive match for the Super Eagles in Egypt against Zimbabwe. In 2006, I played my first official championship for my country.

Legit.ng earlier reported that John Mikel Obi has finally called it quits the Super Eagles after spending 14 illustrious years wearing the green and white colours of Nigeria.

The striker who is based in China considered quitting the Super Eagles after that incident but was talked out of it by coach Gernot Rohr.

"But the door always is open for him any time".

The 30-year-old became the fall guy for Nigeria's group-stage exit at the 2018 World Cup as Nigerians blamed him for missing goal-scoring chances in the 2-1 loss to Argentina in the final game.

The former Chelsea and Middlesbrough midfielder made the announcement on Thursday afternoon after leading the Nigerian team to a bronze medal finish at the 2019 African Cup of Nations.

Nigeria also won bronze at that 2006 tournament, with Mikel notching one goal and one assist.

Riyad Mahrez, with a late free kick, broke the hearts of many Nigerians who were hoping to see the Eagles play in Friday's final in Cairo.

"I invited to help the team; he helped the team not only on the pitch but also outside".

"I'm happy that he could part in this Afcon, to finish his wonderful career with a bronze medal".

Secretary to the government of the federation, Boss Mustapha, delivered the message on behalf of the head of states, adding that they were good ambassadors of the country away from home.

Per ESPN FC, both players made their intentions known after the game.

At the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, Mikel was a key player for Nigeria as they went on to win their third continental title.