John Mikel Obi has revealed why he retired from the Super Eagles, Nigeria national football team.
In an interview with Trabzonspor’s weekend magazine, Mikel disclosed that he ended his international football career so he could give other players in the team a chance to reign.
Mikel said: “I served the national team for 13 years, a larger part of those years as captain. In this process, we have achieved significant successes as a team. I first wanted to leave in 2013, but as a result of our negotiations with the authorities, I decided to continue.
“We currently have very talented young players. They’re all bright. I think these players can handle the challenges. I had to make room for them. Besides, I don’ t have many years of football in front of me. I want to focus on my team.”
In July 2019, Mikel announced his retirement from international football after the Super Eagles of Nigeria ended their run in the concluded 2019 African Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Egypt.
