Why I Retired From Super Eagles – Mikel Obi

Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has disclosed that one of the reasons he retired from the Super Eagles was to pave way for younger players.

Mikel, who currently plies his trade with Trabzonspor in Turkey, left the Super Eagles after Nigeria came third in the last African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.

Speaking with Trabzonspor‘s official magazine, Mikel stated that he needed to soft-pedal since he no longer has many years of football ahead of him.

The former Chelsea midfielder said the present crop of Super Eagles players are talented and determined to excel.

Mikel said: “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.

“I served the national team for 13 years, most of them as captain. In this period, we achieved significant successes as a team.”