Following a third place finish at the African Cup of Nations, Nigerian captain John Mikel Obi and leading goalscorer at the tournament, Odion Ighalo have announced their retirement from the national team effective immediately.
The duo who have served as key veterans in the Nigerian locker room in the past few years decided it was time to bring their careers to an end ushering in a younger generation and thanking fans for all the support provided during their time representing the country.
At 32 and 13 years deep representing Nigeria, Mikel’s decision does not come as much of a surprise, however, Ighalo who only earned his first national team cap in 2015 was expected to continue to lead the country’s front line for a while.