The Super Eagles gaffer, Gernot Rohr has disclosed that John Mikel Obi still remained the Super Eagles captain until
the former Chelsea player quit the national team.
The Franco-German tactician made the comment on the sidelines of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL)
Match Day 4 between MFM FC and Rangers International FC of Enugu at the Soccer Temple in Agege, Lagos
The Super Eagles gaffer was on the stands to watch out for the outstanding players in the local league
Mikel on the other hand recently penned a new deal with the English Championship side, Middlesborough after he
quit Tianjin TEDA in the Chinese Super League.
The former Chelsea star, Mikel, 31, claimed that he wanted to be close to his family living in London, hence his
decision to choose the North East Club that currently sits on the fifth position in the Championship.
Rohr said though Mikel had yet to play for the national team since their exit from the World Cup during the group
stage, the dependable midfielder not only remained an integral part of his team, but the leader as well.
“We are very happy with the news about Mikel joining Middlesborough because it has been a long time he played last
for the team, but he is a player who really wants to play for the team.
“He wishes to return to Europe to be with his family and find a good club which he has done. Right now, he needs
more time to be back in the team because we have yet to see him after the World Cup.
“We want him to come back to the national team like other players. If he is playing well with his new team, he stands
a chance of coming back to us, but he has not told me he will quit the team.
“He remains the captain of the team till he says otherwise, we will be happy to have him back for his experience,” he
said.
On another Nigerian plying his trade in the Chinese Super League, Odion Ighalo, Rohr said he hoped that the goal
poacher finds another club in Europe.
“The same issue like Mikel goes to Ighalo, there is now a big winter break in the Chinese league, even if the league is
on, I am not sure that he wants to remain there.
“Ighalo wants to come back to Europe, though he still has a contract with his Chinese club. Right now, he wants a club
in England or Turkey, I hope he can play again in a good club, just like other players, I want him to be fit.
“He has also contributed well to the national team, we enjoyed his contributions to the team,” he said.
