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Mikel Obi Has Not Retired From International Football – Ibitoye

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John Obi Mikel

Despite the repeated snub of Super Eagles midfielder and captain John Obi Mikel for the third straight match, the Nigerian team spokesman, has revealed that Chinese base footballer has not retired from international football.

Naija News understand that the former Chelsea man has not featured for the Super Eagles since he led the team at the World Cup finals in Russia in June.

He had been given time to recover from a series of injuries but is now back to full fitness yet was not named in Gernot Rohr’s 23-man squad to take on South Africa later this month.

“Mikel has not retired from international football, He remains the captain of the national team.

“But the reality of it is that he is not getting any younger. And the positive (from this) is that other players now have a chance to step up in his absence.” said team spokesman Toyin Ibitoye.

Victor Moses, 27, who played alongside Obi Mikel at Chelsea, announced his retirement from international football after the World Cup.

Mikel, 31, made his debut for the Super Eagles in 2005 and has represented the county at Under-17, Under-20 and Olympic team levels.