Ex-Chelsea Star Mikel Makes Himself Available For AFCON Qualifier Against South Africa

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel would have sufficiently recovered before Nigeria takes on South Africa in an African Cup of Nations qualifier, the Nigeria Football Federation have reiterated.

The Super Eagles skipper underwent surgery in England on April 29, which is expected to rule him out of action for a minimum of three weeks.

Mikel has been left out of the Super Eagles get-together in France, but the Nigerian Federation have revealed that he will be in the squad to face South Africa in a month's time in Uyo.

“The match is a month way and Mikel should be fit in time for the game,” NFF assistant technical director Lagunju was quoted as saying by scorenigeria.

“It’s important he’s part of the team because he is a driving force, a role model to many of the players. He’s leadership qualities are second to none.”

Both Mikel and Tianjin Teda have announced that the Nigeria star will begin his rehabilitation this week.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel