Nigeria’s Super Eagles skipper, Mikel Obi has disclosed that his time with the senior national team is coming to an end and added that the team is doing well without him.
Mikel made his first appearance at the AFCON back in 2006 in Egypt, where he came on as a second half substitute against Zimbabwe and scored in the process .
Since his debut in 2006, Mikel has become an integral part of the national team and helped the team to African Cup of Nations victory in South Africa in 2013 and played in 2014 and 2018 World Cup in Brazil and Russia in the process.
The Trabzonspor midfielder however told the media that he’s ready to pass the mantle to young players in the squad, and reiterated his desire to help the team whenever he’s needed.
“Yes, whenever I am needed I will be glad to contribute my quota,” Mikel said.
“But I think the team is doing well without me. I don’t think they need me. It is what is it. It is football. You have to know when to let go. I have been here for 13 years and I have played almost all the games in the past so for not playing in two or three games is not really a problem.“
“I have done it all, I have contributed my quota and the young guys can carry on. It is the way it is. They have somebody to carry on from where they will stop too someday.”
Mikel will hope to sign off from the national team with Afconbronze medal, when the meet with the Cartage Eagles in a third place clash on Wednesday.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
