John Mikel Obi: Super Eagles captain says leading national team is not an easy job

Mikel Obi is proud to be Super Eagles captain but admits it is a daunting task

Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has admitted that it is not an easy job to be the leader the Nigeria's national men's football team.

Mikel Obi has been Super Eagles captain since March 2016, when he took over from Ahmed Musa who stepped down in his role.

Now two year since he became captain of the Super Eagles, the 30-year-old who is also skipper at Tianjin TEDA in China has admitted that it’s a daunting task to lead both teams.

 

"It is a daunting challenge and I’m looking forward to both teams (Tianjin TEDA and Nigeria) doing well, but now I’m totally focused with Tianjin TEDA,”  the Super Eagles midfielder told Complete Sports.

“I am looking forward to Tianjin TEDA achieving good results in the Super League and I also hope that Nigeria can go farther and better in the World Cup," Mikel said

Mikel was instrumental in leading the Super Eagles to their sixth appearance at the World Cup, scoring two goals in the qualification series.

This summer's tournament in Russia will be Mikel's second appearance at the FIFA World Cup-he played at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

In his debut season in China, Mikel lead Tianjin TEDA to a 13th place finish in the 2017 Chinese Super League (CSL) and scored just one goal.

He is expected to lead the team in their upcoming league opening fixture against Hebei CFFC on Saturday, March 3.