32-year-old Nigerian midfielder, John Obi-Mikel on Thursday, July 18, 2019 confirmed his retirement from National Football after the Super Eagles earned the Bronze medal at the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2019.
Mikel had made had 89 appearances for the country between 2005 and 2019, scoring six times.
Mikel, who has just signed for Trabzonspor in Turkey had already told BBC Sport that the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt would be his last appearance on the continental showpiece event.
Mikel shared on his Social Media:
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.
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!
