A cross-section of Nigerians have heaped praises on Former Super Eagles Captain, John Mikel following his retirement from International Football.
Mikel announced his retirement less than 24 hours after he led the Super Eagles to third place finish at the African Cup of Nations in Egypt.
“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,” Mikel said on Thursday.
However, many Nigerian Twitter users have praised the Former Chelsea’s midfielder for his sacrifice and commitment to the National Team.
The 2013 Nations Cup winner was particularly praised for playing in a match involving the Super Eagles vs Argentina at the 2018 FIFA World Cup an hour after he received a call that his father had been kidnapped.
Mikel was also commended for his role for footing the bills of his teammate during the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Mikel did admitted in an interview that he spent more than £30,000 to help the Dream Team with travel arrangement, meals and booking training pitches.
SEE TWITTER REACTIONS BELOW
Just a video of John Mikel Obi doing Paul Pogba dirty. ????
Good bye Captain! ????????????#SuperEagles #TBThursdaypic.twitter.com/mFBZDvx4lS
— .♛. (@theCyberNewt) July 18, 2019
Just a video of John Mikel Obi doing Paul Pogba dirty. ????
Good bye Captain! ????????????#SuperEagles #TBThursdaypic.twitter.com/mFBZDvx4lS
— .♛. (@theCyberNewt) July 18, 2019
John Mikel Obi is the greatest Nigerian footballer ever
— Damilola Jabar (@jabarzee) July 18, 2019
Thank you John Mikel Obi, A legend in your own right. pic.twitter.com/gIvPSaYHev
— Sir G (@lordslim91) July 18, 2019
John Mikel Obi’s father was Kidnapped; and he still went ahead to play in a match like nothing happened. Can’t be me!!!
A patriot and a Legend✊???? pic.twitter.com/GOJYnWKHMy
— C4PT4IN???? (@CAPT_Vincentt) July 18, 2019
You played after receiving a call about your father's kidnap.
You sponsor the U23 at the Rio Olympics
You deserve a big fat cheque from the Nff
Goodbye Legend
Goodbye captain Marvel
John Mikel Obi— blessing abaja (@AbajaEze) July 18, 2019
John Mikel Obi calls time on his International career.
A brilliant midfielder who, after all dust has settled, would forever be remembered as a footballer who served his country well.
Thank You Mikel Obi ???????? pic.twitter.com/tQX6dMOvOz
— Jimmy (@jimaids) July 18, 2019
John Mikel Obi,
I remember how it all started in the U-20 team.
I remember how you were the best, second only to Messi.
Thank you for your the beautiful memories. pic.twitter.com/jNlgh4iJmg— Courage Mbon (@Couragembon) July 18, 2019
Thanks you John Mikel Obi for your love , passion and dedication during your playing days for @NGSuperEagles
— Ridwan olalekan (@Ridex20) July 18, 2019
"Mikel Out"
John Mikel Obi announces his retirement from international football with Nigeria after 15 years.
89 apps
6 goals
1 AFCON title
A lot of memories.A true legend. pic.twitter.com/pgQ9MdlmLL
— Deji Faremi (@deejayfaremi) July 18, 2019