Caretaker coach of the Nigerian senior football team, Samson Siasia, has announced John Mikel Obi as the new captain.
The Chelsea midfielder takes over the Super Eagles captain armband from CSKA Moscow’s Ahmed Musa.
The pacey player who plies his trade in Russia took over the Eagles captainship from former team’s goalie, Vincent Enyeama, which forced his early retirement from international duties.
Former coach of the team, Sunday Oliseh, had handed over the armband to Musa during his spell as the team’s manager, though some senior players in the Eagles never liked this.
Announcing Mikel Obi as the new leader of the team on Thursday in Kaduna, Siasia hailed the boy he played in the 2005 FIFA Junior World Cup in Holland, saying the Chelsea star has paid his dues.
Musa, while speaking at a press conference where Mikel Obi was unveiled as the new captain, said he is happy handing over the leadership mantle to his “big brother and senior” and stressed that he is willing to act as his assistant.
Mikel Obi, in his remarks, described Musa as a true “professional”, who should be emulated by younger players.
Mikel Obi expressed delight in the honour and said his time as Eagles captain will bring forth a new era.
Nigeria plays Egypt on Friday in an AFCON qualifiers.
