Exclusive: Chelsea Star Mikel Not Quitting Super Eagles Despite AFCON Miss

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel will not call time on his international career with the Super Eagles despite their elimination from the African Cup of Nations qualifying race as a result of their 1-0 loss to Egypt on Tuesday night.

Days leading up to the tie with the Pharaohs in Kaduna, the former Lyn Oslo starlet was appointed the substantive captain of the Super Eagles, taking over the armband from CSKA Moscow frontman Musa.

The 28-year-old’s adviser has pointed out that the central midfielder will not turn on his back on the Super Eagles, especially as he has found himself saddled with more responsibilities.

“How can someone they just appointed captain last week quit? It is not true he is abandoning the Super Eagles,” a representative of Mikel told allnigeriasoccer.com.

“He doesn’t want to quit the Super Eagles even in the next two years. If they keep inviting him, he will continue honoring the call ups.”

Obi Mikel did not return with the Nigeria delegation to Abuja on Wednesday as Chelsea want him to report at KT11 3PT for training on Thursday morning ahead of this weekend’s Premier League clash versus Aston Villa.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : chelseafc.com