John Mikel Obi is ready to make a return to the Super Eagles for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, reports Completesports.com.
Mikel, 31, last appeared for the three-time African kings against Argentina – their last Group D game at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
The former Chelsea midfielder failed to appear in any of Super Eagles six qualifying games en route Egypt 2019, prompting speculations he might have decided to call time on his international career.
However, Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr has consistently maintained that Mikel is still part of his team despite the midfielder’s ‘self exile’.
Rohr also recently stated that he would hold talks with the former Lyn Oslo of Norway player to ascertain if would change club and rejoin the national team.
Completesports.com scooped from a reliable source close to the Super Eagles that the German tactician met Mikel in London last Saturday and the player indicated his readiness to return to the team for the AFCON 2019 finals.
Rohr will release his 26-man provisional squad for the competition this week with Mikel’s name expected to be among the invitees.
The Super Eagles will begin preparation.for the 32nd Africa Cup of Nations on 2nd June in Asaba, Delta State.
They will play a friendly game with the Warriors of Zimbabwe on 8th June at the Stephen Keshi Stadium Asaba before flying to Egypt the following day.
The West Africans will set up a final training camp in Ismailia where they will lock horns with Africa’s number one –ranked team, Senegal on 16th June before departing for Alexandria – venue of their AFCON Group B matches.
Nigeria will face Burundi on 22nd June in their first game of the tournament before confronting Guinea on 26th June and tackle Madagascar on 30th June, all in Alexandria.
By Adeboye Amosu
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COMMENTS
What kind of stupid repotage is this? There’s absolutely nothing here to support the very captivating caption! U guys should learn to be professional with ur job. Nonsense!!!
It was just a click bait.
Completesports.com scooped from a reliable source close to the Super Eagles that the German tactician met Mikel in London last Saturday and the player indicated his readiness to return to the team for the AFCON 2019 finals.what else do u want @oakfield.They are journalists and speculations is part of the business of journalism.
I’m waiting for this Rohr’s 26 man list.
I can try to predict
Goal keepers
Ezenwa, Izoho, Apkeyi
Defender
Shehu,Aina,Ekong,Balogun, Awaizim, Ajayi, Collins,Omuero
Midfielder
Mikel, Ndidi,Ogu, Iwobi,Etebo, Agu
Attack
Chukwueze, Musa, Kalu, Ighalo, osimhen, Onyekeru, Simon, Ohnachu, Kelechi
Who can predict Rohr 26man list. Who can read his mind or see with his eyes and get the exact list to be made public this week.
My attempt:
Uzoho,Akpeyi, Ezenwa, Nwolokor
Aina, Shehu, Omeruo, Ekong, Balogun, Awaziem, Collins, Ajayi
Ogu, Mikel, Etebo, Ndidi, Azubike, Iwobi
Musa, Simon, Onyekuru, Kalu, Chukwueze, Ighalo, Osimen, Onuachu
I think you’re spot on
I’ll only add few more players
I’ll only add few more players
Uzoho,Akpeyi, Ezenwa, Nwolokor, Seb Osigwe(may even replace Akpeyi/nwokolor in event that only 4 is needed in provisional squad)
Aina, Shehu, Omeruo, Ekong, Balogun, Awaziem, Collins, Ajayi, Idowu(who by the way has regained form in the absence of tyrone)
Ogu, Mikel, Etebo, Ndidi, Azubike, Iwobi, Bonaventure
Musa, Simon, Onyekuru, Kalu, Chukwueze, Ighalo, Osimen, Onuachu, Kelechi Iheanacho(if uzoho is there then he more deserving of a call-up), V.moses(feelers are dat he’ll make a u-turn), Isaac Success
I do not think anyone could guess right the 23 players to Egypt.I believe there’s a surprise waiting for all super eagles fans.
FROM A RELIABLE SOURCE
Breaking: I would be in Egypt with Eagles, Mikel Obi confirms amid cheers
By Ayo Olu Ibidapo – May 13, 2019 855
0 Home Africa Cup of Nations Breaking: I would be in Egypt with Eagles, Mikel Obi confirms amid…
Super Eagles Skipper, Mikel John Obi has affirmed he will be with the squad traveling to Egypt for the Africa Cup of nations after meeting with Coach Gernot Rohr, AOIFootball.com can report.
There had been uncertainties surrounding Mikel’s availability for next month’s Africa showpiece after the mercurial midfielder did not feature in any of the Super Eagles qualifying matches which made Coach Gernot Rohr visit the player in England to clarify issues.
Mikel, however, told AOIFootball.com exclusively that he had a private meeting with the Franco-German and has decided to feature at the continent’s biggest soccer fiesta when it kicks off in Egypt next month.
“I met with Coach Rohr and we discussed his plans for the team in the forthcoming tournament. All I can say is that I am delighted and happy because I am coming to the Nations Cup” Mikel Obi revealed.
The 32-year- old midfield maestro, who has been a glorious arrival for Middlesbrough since he left the Chinese Super League in January, has provided a strong and impressive display this term and is eagerly ready to feature in the Premier League again.
Mikel made his international debut in 2005 and now has 85 caps for the Super Eagles, scoring 6 goals in total. His appearance for the Super Eagles in Egypt could, however, be the last for the Nigerian superstar who could retire internationally after the tournament.
I doubt he will call it a day after Egypt.He still has the football,the energy to carry on with the team.As long as he is physically fit and playing actively in the premiership,i do not see him retiring from the national team.
More indepth reportage,not all this lazy journalism csm gives us most times
I am so excited to hear this because leaving Mikel out of the team is like taking head out of the body. Now, Mikel is back. The team can do without Mikel but a leader always a leader. God bless Nigeria!!!
Joel Obi will lead Super Eagles midfield according to reliable sources.
I will be invited to join the Afcon squad, Joel Obi confirms from Turkey
By Charles Enikanlomo – May 11, 2019 895
0 Home Africa Cup of Nations Breaking: From his base in Turkey, Joel Obi Obi has claimed that he expects to be invited to the Super Eagles for the Africa Cup of Nations to Replace John Obi Mikel who will play no further part in the team’s schedule moving forward.
Speaking to akamunews.com, the midfielder said:’I am going to the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt where I will be expected to play all our matches and lead the nation to glory in a unprecedented manner.’
About now playing in Turkey, Obi said: ‘so what is wrong with it? Believe me when I tell you, Turkish league is more tedious than Italian league, which I might add is greatly overrated.’
About what to expect in Egypt, Obi said :’you ain’t seen nothing yet! By the time I lace my boots and step to the pitch, the earth will tremble, the sky will fall.’
About whether Nigeria will win the Africa Cup of Nations, Obi said ” ‘Gbam! I thought you’d never ask! We will win it with a game to spare (to the interviewer, Obi said) ‘close your mouth or else flies will enter.’
‘If you want to find out how to win a tournament with a game to spare, just wait. By the time we demolish all the teams leading to and including the semi finals, the team we face in the final will just give up without kicking a ball (Gbam)! ‘