Bolaji Okunola
Super Eagles’ captain, John Obi Mikel has been denied the opportunity to mark his 13th year anniversary against Libya.
The former Chelsea FC of England midfielder, who made his national team debut on August 17 2005 against Libya, will be missing in action when Nigeria battle The Mediterranean Knights in a double-header this month.
Mikel was conspicuously missing in the 24-man list released by the national team head coach, Gernot Rohr yesterday.
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SportingSun check revealed that Mikel made his international debut as a substitute for Christian Obodo in a friendly match against Libya in Tripoli. It was a trial match ahead of the 2006 World Cup qualifier against Algeria, in Oran.
Mikel last played for Nigeria Argentina in Saint Petersburg during the FIFA World Cup in Russia.
He scored only six goals in the 85 appearances for Nigeria.