As the AFCON has ended, many soccer fans have had their time to enjoy the beautiful game from the African continent.

This is notably for Nigerians that are passionate about football as their darling team the Super Eagles participated.

However, the AFCON has seen the exit of one of Nigeria’s legendary players John Obi Mikel as the former Chelsea man has retired from the national team which may be too early than what was expected.

But due to some certain factors and deliberations, we offer insight into why Mikel would still be needed as regards to his quality contribution and relevance to the Super Eagles.

His Motivation For The Super Eagles

Mikel has been a big personality in the Nigeria set-up as he is widely appreciated on and off the pitch.

The player is a delight to his teammates as most of them honour his presence and contribution to the team.

Such was his greatness as players like Alex Iwobi, Henry Onyekuru and Oghenekaro Etebo have shown admiration to the former Chelsea player.

It’s an honour for his teammate to even take a selfie with former Chelsea man as seen with smiles on their faces.

This level of unity, inspiration, and harmony is what Nigeria needs especially as the Super Eagles continue to recover from the failure to win the AFCON 2019 in Egypt.

Inexperienced Super Eagles

The Super Eagles no doubt is laden with lots of talents as we’ve seen from the squad.

Players like Samuel Chukwueze, Ola Aina, Samuel Kalu, Henry Onyekuru and Oghenekaro Etebo are world-beaters by all standard.

However, talent is not enough alone in football as it’s been obvious over the years.

There is a need for a blend of youth and experience as Mikel will be a key factor in this stance alongside Ahmed Musa, Kenneth Omeruo and Leon Balogun.

Fans Love For Mikel

The player is one of the most loved Nigerian players. This affection should not be undermined by the player as he has won the hearts of Nigerians since he shone at the 2005 FIFA U20 World Cup.

This is also expressed among Nigerians as they love and celebrate the player following his side Chelsea’s Champions League Triumph way back in 2012.

It’s right for Mikel to reciprocate that love and veneration with a longer stay in the Super Eagles. I believe personally the player can still play in the next AFCON in Cameroon 2021.

He will be 34 years then as he’s just 32 now even when players like his mate Lionel Messi (32), Cristiano Ronaldo (34) and other older players are still featuring for their respective national teams with the quest for greater achievement in the.future

We hope the player can make a U-turn on this note as we try to absorb Moses exit from the Super Eagles after the World Cup in Russia at the age of 27.

Obiweluozo Martins