Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi will be missing in action as Nigeria plays in a friendly match against Serbia in a Russia 2018 world cup build up. The former Chelsea FC player who currently plies his trade for Chinese side, Tianjin Teda has been ruled out of the game due to work permit issues in China.
Recall that this same issue made Mikel Obi miss the game against Poland which ended 1-0 in favor of the Super Eagles. Before the game that Victor Moses won for Nigeria, manager Gernot Rohr spoke on the absense of his captain.
“The only game we lost was against South Africa last year in June. So I hope this time will be better we have a team but we need a leader,” Rohr said in a pre-match conference.
“John Obi Mikel is our uncontested leader but it will be interesting to see how the other players can do without him.
“Unfortunately he had this problem with work permit in China which means he could go out and not come back so it was a problem.
“We are playing like a team and we have other players who can take responsibilities.
“We have a second captain, we have a third captain we have a fourth captain so I think the team will be able to give a good answer”, he said.
Reacting to his absense from the Serbia game to be played today, Mikel took to twitter to express his frustration.
”Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond my control I will not be on the field for our game v Serbia tomorrow. I am sad, and frustrated, but giving my full support to the team for another WIN! #SoarSuperEagles”.
He however urged the team on as they face Serbia tonight.
”I’m excited to see how far we can go as a team this year. Tonight is another step on that journey. I’m with you tonight. #soarsupereagles”
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