Super Eagles captain, John Obi Mikel has retired from the Super Eagles after 14 years of playing for the national team.
Mikel, who made his debut for the Super Eagles on August 17, 2005, announced his retirement in an Instagram post on Thursday.
Mikel said it was fitting for him to announce his retirement in Egypt, where it all started.
He wrote: “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.
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“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!”
The defensive midfielder made 89 appearances for the Eagles in his 14-year-old stint and scored six goals.
However, many Nigerians have taken to social media to hail the 32-year-old, who won an African Cup of Nations trophy for the nation in 2013.
See comments monitored on Twitter below:
Thank you John Mikel Obi.
— OLAYIMIKA (@yeancah19) July 18, 2019
So mikel started in Egypt and finished in Egypt?… It's well with him…
— Rotarian Engineer (@EngrHoneyK) July 18, 2019
Wow. Feels like yesterday when he started playing.
God keep and bless your future, Mikel.
True leader. True fan. pic.twitter.com/9Y06JzTnYO
— Ikenna Ronald Nzimora (@ronaldnzimora) July 18, 2019
It is safe to say , that of every Nigerian under-20 or under-17 team I've followed , Mikel Obi has been the best product #Legend ,
— ASAP COCKY (@superELfeezle) July 18, 2019
Been a humble and great servant to the national side @mikel_john_obi Thank you boss!🙌🏾🇳🇬🇳🇬
— Tstaxx (@Tstaxx) July 18, 2019
John Obi Mikel bows out a LEGEND 🙌🏼#AFCON2019 pic.twitter.com/jbAPKIGQAb
— Soar Super Eagles (@SSE_NGA) July 17, 2019
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