John Obi Mikel Announces Retirement From Super Eagles After Winning Bronze Medal

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

The 32-year-old took to his social media page to confirm the news saying he ended his senior career exactly where he started in 2006. Having excelled at the 2005 FIFA U20 World Cup in Netherlands, Mikel was included in the Super Eagles squad for the 2006 AFCON championship and scored his maiden goal at the tourney.

AFCON bronze medal triumph In 2013, the former Chelsea midfielder was part of late Stephen Keshi team that won the championship in South Africa.

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Egypt is a country where I’ve started and have finished my National career. In 2006 I played my first official championship for my Country. 2019 African Cup of Nations marks my last championship for National Team with Super Eagles. My national career started in 2003 under 17 World Cup and I’m grateful for 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 am out!

A post shared by Mikel Obi (@mikel_john_obi) on Jul 18, 2019 at 4:33am PDT