Why I retired from Super Eagles- Mikel

By Bimbo Ogunnaike

Former Super Eagles Captain, John Obi Mikel, has revealed that he retired from representing the country in international football to pave way for younger players and the need to soft-pedal since he no longer has many years of football ahead of him.

Mikel left the Super Eagles shortly after Nigeria came third in the last Nations Cup in Egypt after having spent close to two decades of playing for Nigeria at both junior and senior levels.

The midfielder, now with Trabzonspor in Turkish first division, also expressed confidence in the present crop of Eagles, noting that the players are not only talented but determined to excel.

”We currently have very talented young players. They’re all bright. I think these players can handle the challenges. I had to make room for them, besides; I don’t have many years for football in front of me. I want to focus on my team in the remaining period, “he said.

”I served the national team for 13 years, most of them as captain. In this period, we achieved significant successes as a team,” Mikel added.