Ahmed Musa has lamented the retirement of the two key members of the team about the same time, declaring both will be sorely missed.
John Mikel Obi announced his retirement from the national football team immediately after the completion of the Super Eagles Afcon campaign.
The captain of the side led the team to a bronze medal finish and drew the curtain on a national team career that spanned the best part of 15 years.
The former Chelsea midfielder was a vital part of the Nigeria side that romped to victory at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, the country's third triumph at the continental championships.
Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has also made public his decision to leave the senior team's set up after spending just 5 years and 35 games with the team.
The Shanghai Shenhua goal-getter represented Nigeria at the 2018 World Cup where he failed to register a single goal.
The former Watford forward finally got into his element during the 2019 AFCON qualifying series where he outshone all others by smashing home 7 goals.
His goalscoring streak continued at the tournament proper as Ighalo's five strikes could not be bettered by any star Africa had to offer.
The 30-year-old got the winner for the Super Eagles in third place playoff match against Tunisia. A win which earned Nigeria her 8th AFCON bronze medal.
Vice captain Ahmed Musa took to instagram to lament the loss of the two experienced stars.
“Hard as it is to accept that you guys have retired from the National Team, it’s been nothing but a privilege and a great honour to play with you guys,” Musa posted on his social media account.
“Here's wishing you nothing but the absolute best in your future pursuits. You will be greatly missed in the team John Obi Mikel and Odion Ighalo.”
