From all indications, John Obi Mikel is expected to returning to the Nigerian national football team ahead of the 32nd Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
The experienced midfielder played for Nigeria in their last group game against Argentina despite receiving the news a few hours to kickoff that his father had been kidnapped for a second time, and since then Mikel has been absent from all national team duties.
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Though there is no verified information Mikel stayed away from national team duties because of his father's kidnap.
However, Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, met with the former Chelsea star over the weekend in London and he has gotten assurances from Mikel that he would be available for the 2019 AFCON.
“I met with Coach Rohr and we discussed his plans for the team in the forthcoming tournament. All I can say is that I am delighted and happy because I am coming to the Nations Cup” Mikel Obi was quoted as saying via AOIFootball.com.
Three-time champions Nigeria will play Burundi on 22nd June, Guinea on 26th June and Madagascar on 30th June, all in Alexandria.
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Meanwhile, reports suggest the duo of Sheffield United and Norwich City are making advances to sign Mikel during the summer transfer window.
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 years ago
