Nigeria Captain John Obi Mikel Retires From International Football

Nigeria national team captain John Obi Mikel on Thursday announced his retirement from international football after helping the Super Eagles win the bronze medal at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

The 32-years-old took to his social media page to confirm the news saying he ended his senior career exactly where he started in 2006.

“Egypt is a country where I’ve started and have finished my national career,” Mikel wrote on Instagram.

“In 2006 I played my first official championship for my country. 2019 African Cup of Nations marks my last championship for the national team with Super Eagles.

“My national career started in 2003, under 17 World Cup and I’m grateful to 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.”

Mikel made his debut with Nigeria in 2006 and went on to register 88 appearances with the Super Eagles, scoring seven times.

He played for Nigeria in the past two World Cups and was part of the team that finished third at the 2006 and 2010 Nations Cups.

Mikel major international honour is the Africa Cup of Nations trophy which he won with Super Eagles in South Africa in 2013.