Mikel Admits He Could Quit Super Eagles After AFCON

Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel has hinted that he could retire after this year’s African Cup of Nations in Egypt.

The Middlesbrough midfielder has played for the Super Eagles for the last 14 years since making his debut in 2005 against Libya.

He won the African Cup of Nations in 2013 and will once again be looking to get another medal in Egypt during this year’s showpiece.

Asked whether he’ll exit after the AFCON, the defensive midfielder admitted that the tournament could be his last in Eagles colours.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”Maybe it’s my last one. I’m not sure yet, but at some point, you have to let go. I don’t want to overstay my welcome. Let’s hope we can make it count.”[/perfectpullquote]

Mikel is also excited with the new players in the team saying they bring in a lot of energy.

“There’s a lot of young players in the team. That’s very good, that means a lot of energy in the team.”

“We have some incredibly talented young players like (Samuel) Chukwueze and Paul (Onuachu). They have to get experience and good enough the coach has given them the opportunity. Hopefully, we are in Egypt to fight because we want to do great things.” he added.

On Eagles chances at the AFCON, the midfielder admitted that the tournament will be tough but pointed out that they have the quality to win the tournament.

“It will be a tough tournament, but we have quality players, we have trained well. So we have a good chance,” he concluded.