'I've Been With The National Teams For Over 15 Years, I Needed Rest' - Mikel Sheds Light On Absence From Super Eagles

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has shed more light on why he has not played for the Super Eagles since the end of the 2018 World Cup, specifically June 26, 2018 when they were beaten 2-1 by Argentina.

For over fifteen years, Mikel has been part of the Nigeria national team set up, first playing for the U17s before graduating to the U20s then the Super Eagles.

The Super Eagles number 10 revealed he needed some much needed rest after the World Cup, coupled with his injury problems.

''To be honest, there was not really much, I think nothing really happened. I had a conversation with the coach, we have a very good understanding, me and the coach,'' Mikel said.

''I had few injuries after the World Cup and also I feel for me I needed a bit of rest because to be honest I have been doing this for over 15 years now with the national team since I started with the U17.

''If you have been doing something that long, at some point you'll need a rest and I had a good conversation with the coach coupled with the injuries.

''I decided to take some time off and then regroup hopefully when we get to the Nations Cup I'll always be there to help the team and that's exactly what happened.''

The 32-year-old Mikel will be attending his fifth Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt but his first as the captain of the Super Eagles.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel