Former Super Eagles midfielder and captain, Mikel Obi has revealed that he decided to quit the senior national team to pave way for some young players.
Mikel played his last game for Nigeria in the final group B fixture against Madagascar, where the team lost 2-0 en route Nigeria’s third-place finish at the tournament.
He expressed confidence when he spoke with Trabzonspor’s official magazine, that the current Super Eagles are hungry and determined to make the nation proud.
”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,” he added.
In all, the former Chelsea star made 89 appearances, scoring six goals for the senior national team.