Mikel Obi Says This Will Be The Last Africa Cup Of Nations He’ll Ever Play In

A month ago, while we were expecting Nigeria‘s provisional list for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Mikel Obi confirmed he was going to play in the tournament. The fact it took him so long made us wonder if this could be his last AFCON. Well, he’s finally announced that it will be. 

Since 2006, Obi has made 89 appearances for Nigeria, including the last two World Cups and the 2013 AFCON, which he helped the team win. With the Super Eagles well into the quarterfinals of this edition, the 32-year-old is hoping to lead the team to win the trophy, and then move on to retirement.

BBC Sports quotes him as saying:

“Thirteen years I think is enough. I’ve won trophies, I’ve had a lot of amazing time. I think it’s time for these young guys to carry on.

I’m mostly here in Egypt to support the young guys and make sure they’re on the right track.”

And he’s right, seeing that we haven’t felt his impact on the pitch, even though he played in Nigeria’s game against Burundi and Madagascar. So, this is hoping his support pays off because it’ll be a good feeling to see him bag another continental trophy on retirement.