Nigeria captain John Mikel Obi says he is still committed to representing the country after appearing for the Super Eagles for the first time since the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia in the friendly encounter against Zimbabwe on Saturday, reports Completesports.com.
Mikel missed all of the side’s six 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches as he stayed away from the team after their exit from the World Cup in Russia.
The former Chelsea midfielder who voted man of the man in the Super Eagles 0-0 draw against the Warriors at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba on Saturday has however reaffirmed his commitment to the team.
“I am still very much motivated and if I am not I won’t have come to the camp,” he told reporters after the friendly against Zimbabwe.
“I told the coach that I would return to the Eagles when I am ready I will come back and when I come back I will give able to give 100 percent.
“The team has been fantastic until now because of the way they have been playing and I have come to offer my experience and to help the team so that we can have a good tournament.”
The former Chelsea star further added that he and other experienced members of the national team will continue to keep the youngsters in the squad under their proverbial wings.
“The Super Eagles camp is a good learning ground for the players that are here,” he continued.
“With the absence of [Wilfred] Ndidi, [Abdullahi] Shehu and others it is also good that we have flashes of talented players that were able to prove their worth.
“We could see the quality in the team against Zimbabwe. We just have to continue to keep talking to them.”
