John Mikel Obi says he can’t explain why Middlesborough failed to beat Bristol City in Tuesday’s Championship clash at the Riverside Stadium despite creating scoring chances, Completesports.com reports.
Middlesbrough hopes of securing a playoff ticket suffered a huge setback following a 1-0 loss to the visitors.
The Nigeria midfielder and captain says Boro should have been out of sight with the first half chances that came their way – and that in itself is a familiar story.
“For the last three games, I don’t understand how some of the chances go in,” Mikel told the Boron’s official website.
“It’s unbelievable. Sometimes football is very cruel like that.
“We come out to try and put in a good performance and make sure we don’t disappoint the fans.
“We keep getting these chances. The lads are doing everything possible so that we take the lead when we’re on top, get one or two and then we can settle, but it’s just not coming.
“We all sat there in the changing room scratching our heads after the game wondering how on Earth we didn’t get a goal. How did we not come away with something? How does one of those not go in?
“We have done everything but score. We’ve hit the woodwork, had shots blocked on the line, hit the last defender… whatever we do they are just not going in for us right now.
“But we have to keep going.”
By Adeboye Amosu
9 Comments
Every time a Nigerian player turns his back on national duties, things starts falling apart for him. This has always being the trend. Trust Mikel to start running back to play for SE. But he will only be good for the bench if ever.
This has led to a big debate in this forum @Glory,but i wish Mikel to gain promotion with Middlesborough.
Sadly,for the past few weeks either home or away Boro has struggled and this is not doing their chances any good.I think Mikel still has three years of football to offer the super eagles and hopefully he wont turn his back on us for the nations cup,Apparently,his experience and command is invaluable we need his leadership to excel in Egypt.
Mikel remains the SuperEagles undisputed captain. If he decides to go to the AFCON and stay fit he will surely start in that midfield. That I can guarantee. Since January he’s been one of the top rated midfielders in the Championship. Ajayi and Etebo are also doing well but their clubs are either batting relegation or trying to stay afloat. While Mikel have a chance to push for promotion with Middlesborough. If I have to choose between Mikel, Ajayi, Etebo or Ogu to start in a SuperEagles midfield based on current form and pedigree, it is definitely General Mikel Obi.
@ greenhurf, don’t wanna mention names as I don’t wanna cos disunity in this great team Rohr is building. Most players in SE don’t want Mikel back. They are not happy with his attitude to d national team. They fear speaking might put them in same position as Onazi. We have to be fair n honest, Mikel, yes a good player but is never really committed to Nigeria. Sad his dad was kidnapped but he should understand that the majority of Nigeria football fans are not the ones that committed such satanic act n are going through hell in that country n even outside. They only look up to watch SE play to ease their pains. Somehow, I think n yes I might be wrong, that Mikel was more motivated to play at d world cup to please his Russian wife n not Nigeria as a country. I like Mikel as a person n will never rubbish him in anyway but feel he should be doing more for this country that gave him a chance.
I’ve always suspected Mikel’s hiatus from the national team is not for footballing reasons or those diplomatic arguments Rohr tries to make for him. Something did really happen in camp pre and post Russia-2018. I even heard he got into a heated argument with Balogun too.
With his main sparring partner and ex-deputy Onazi effectively shut out of the SE, Mikel too may have decided to take a break as Onazi so as not to breed bad blood as some players current may loathe his continued leadership and prefer Musa instead. Moses sudden resignation from the SE may not be unconnected with all of these too, as with Echiejile’s systematic axing from the team.
It may be good for the health of the team for Musa to continue as the new capon. So far, he has acquainted himself well, has a good and approachable attitude (compared to Mikel). Yes, Mikel brings something extra in that midfield. But perhaps we may be able to cope at Afcon without him, especially with the new glut of talents upfront. It’s left for Rohr to make the most of these unusual “blessings.”
Correction**Some current players may loathe his (Miekl’s) continued leadership…
In addition, Samuel Kalu’s mum was recently kidnapped and released in the East (most likely some millions of naira exchanged hands). Would that also demotivate Samuel Kalu? Some of these players should try to protect their families more, perhaps fly them out to Europe. They’ve got the money. Until Nigeria gets better and we have a more responsible govt.
@Glory and Kel I love the way you guys analysed the Mikel issue so mildly that it is well understood and very firmly that lessons can be learnt.In addition,while I will agree that those things (the kidnapping of Mikels father)got to him so well,considering the recent interview that he feared his father was shot by the kidnappers,am not sure that alone could be responsible for his absence from the national team.
In fairness to Mikel he picked up his seriousness and dedication to the national team a bit late in his career and never looked back.Those excuses was actually geniue cos just at the same time he could not play for SE he also did not play in his Chinese club due to injuries.The recent interview he granted in England, where he confirmed that he had challenges in China which ranges from bad pitches to poor facilities which affected him and made him prone to injuries,is a confirmation of Mikels position.I think he’s recent ommition from Sichells and Egypt friendly is normal, he just started playing after a long time and needed to get back to form while other players should be given an opportunity to be tested.otherwise Nigeria is not the only high risk areas in the world players in France and England have had their homes burgled and valuables carted away, our SE players have had this experience ask Taye Taiwo when he was in France.
In all I think Mikel remains an integral part of SE, he will do well with the team at Afcorn and will not retire yet.Thank you.
No one will be happy wholeheartedly to know his father is being targeted by the northern kidnappers just because you play for your Nation. It could well be that Mikel’s father demanded off him to stop playing for Nigeria or he will not live long enough to enjoy the fruits of his labor. His father might have told him that,’ my son Mikel, you are not looking for money and/or fame now which you have got, because of you they want to kill me o, therefore, if the 3rd time come around, l don die be that. Because of my age now, l cannot leave Jos to go live in Benin City or Lagos where l could be safe.’ Mikel is likely to agree with his father and quit playing for a Nation who should be appreciating and celebrating his father for bringing such a rear gam to our Nation. I may be wrong. Just my opinion.
Something tells me that some police syndicates are involved in all these kidnappings. About time, a responsible government investigate the police. Heartbreaking to hear footballers doing their best to make the poor masses happy,while some never do well satans doing everything to bring them down. My only issue is players should understand too that majority of fans are going through worst situation n see football especially national team playing as about the only escape from d pains of abject poverty. And kinda seem that Mikel doesn’t get it hence his attitude to national team n for sake of unity in d SE, he should kindly step aside. Does it surprise anyone that Mikel being the captain never tweets to salute the team or players after any game, maybe I m wrong, n I ask for forgiveness if I am.