PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: John Obi Mikel – Nigeria win in skipper’s absence

Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel

Monday Mar 26, 2018. 10:00

Despite the absence of Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel, the Super Eagles were still able to secure a 1-0 win over Poland this past weekend.

Mikel did not travel to Eastern Europe for the match in Wroclaw, as he was unable to renew his work permit in China – where he currently plays his club football – in time.

Coach Gernot Rohr called on his players to react positively to the loss of Mikel and was left impressed when they claimed a 1-0 win – thanks to a second-half penalty from Victor Moses.

“We won the match without our captain – Mikel John Obi. Previously, we lost against South Africa without him,” said Rohr after the game against the Poles.

Mikel, meanwhile, took time over the weekend to show his support for the Super Eagles with the following posts on Twitter.

Sending all my support to the boys in Poland! Tonight I am with the fans 👍🏾 https://t.co/Ft9puBElwv
— Mikel John Obi (@mikel_john_obi) March 23, 2018

Cool finish from the spot from @VictorMoses! Great win for the team 😀🇳🇬#POLNGA pic.twitter.com/sCO05Ng0dz
— Mikel John Obi (@mikel_john_obi) March 23, 2018