As featured on NewsNow: Football news

​Ighalo & Mikel retire from Nigeria

Odion Ighalo and John Obi Mikel have both retired from international football.

The Nigeria stars have said goodbye to their national team after the African Cup of Nations.

Nigeria finished third in the tournament, winning the Bronze Final against Tunisia.

Per ESPN FC, both players made their intentions known after the game.

"After the game, [Ighalo] gave his jersey as a souvenir to the coach, said his goodbyes and left," sources told ESPN FC.

Meanwhile, John Obi Mikel took to social media to announce his decision.

"Egypt is a country where I've started and have finished my National career," Mikel posted on Instagram.

"In 2006 I played my first official championship for my Country. 2019 African Cup of Nations marks my last championship for National Team with Super Eagles.

"My national career started in 2003 under 17 World Cup and I'm grateful for the national team for placing me on the world arena and giving me an opportunity to show my skill and have an incredible National and International career.

"At the age of 32 it's time for me to retire from the National team and let the youth take over, who've done an amazing job securing a bronze medal at AFCON 2019.

"Thank you to all my Nigerian supporters and to my Country for all the trust, support and love you've shown me over the past 15 years.

"Mikel am out!"

Video of the day:

About the author

Ansser Sadiq

×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

  1. Go Ad-Free
  2. Faster site experience
  3. Support great writing
  4. Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free
×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free