Mikel Obi retires from International Football

Mikel Obi has confirmed he is no longer a part of the Super Eagles team. The former captain made the announcement through his Instagram page.

Announcing his exit, Mikel said “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 I’m out!”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

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

Mikel Obi had been on the national team for the past 16 years and had risen to the position of captain. His first major tournament for Nigeria was at the 2006 AFCON in Egypt, where Nigeria won Bronze and his final and most recent one came in Egypt, and Nigeria finished again with a bronze medal.