…Sports Minister Hails Ex-Eagles Captain
BENJAMIN OMOIKE
A former Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi, yesterday announced his retirement from football at the age of 35.
The Nigerian, who disclosed this via his Instagram page wrote, “There is a saying that “all good things must come to an end”, and for my professional football career, that day is today.
“I look back at the past 20 years of my career, and I must say that I am very satisfied with all that I was able to achieve and more importantly the human it has helped shape.
“All of this would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my family, managers, clubs, coaches, teammates and most importantly my ever-loyal fans.
“You supported me through my highs and lows, even on days that I did not live up to your expectations. I say a big thank you.
“I will also like to encourage everyone who I may have inspired one way or the other in the course of my career to never give up on their dreams, for every time you think about quitting, remind yourself why you started.
“This is not goodbye, it’s the start of another journey, another chapter of my life. I look forward to what the future holds and I hope you will walk with me. Thank you.”
Mikel played 11 years at Chelsea winning the Champions League, Europa League, Premier League (x2), FA Cup (x3) and League Cup.
Mikel also won the Nations Cup with Nigeria in 2013 among other personal honours.
He last played for Kuwait SC but quit before the end of 2021 and has been involved in charitable projects ever since.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, has heaped praises on former Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, as the 2013 AFCON winner calls time on his illustrious career.
“I celebrate with you, Mikel John Obi on your retirement as a professional footballer. Thank you for donning the green and white jersey of our fatherland with pride. For more than a decade, you made Nigerians proud and brought smiles to households. Firstly as a player and also as a captain, your ethic and dedication was exemplary. We will remember you as an integral part of the historic 2013 all-conquering AFCON team with smiles on our faces. That young boy we saw as an Eaglet grew into an unstoppable Eagle years later.”
“On the biggest of stages abroad, you represented Nigeria as a worthy ambassador with your art. On a tension-filled night in Munich, you dedicated your UEFA Champions League success to our legend, Late Rashidi Yekini. We could not be any prouder of you, John.
“You have left a formidable track for others to follow and I join millions of Nigerians around the globe to celebrate you.”
Mikel retires as one of Nigeria’s most decorated players with 91 international caps, one AFCON title, an Olympic Bronze medal, three F.A Cups, two EPL trophies, one Champions League title, one Europa League title, amongst other accolades.
