Champions League and AFCON Winner, Mikel Obi Retires from Football at 35

Former Super Eagles of Nigeria captain Mikel Obi has announced his retirement from the sport of football.

Mikel took to his official social media account to reveal his decision to retire on Tuesday, September 27, 2022..

After several success for Nigeria and in club football, Obi decided it is time for him to hang his boots.

This online platform gathered that the decision of Obi to retire comes at the age of 35 as reactions catapulted him to the top of the trends on social media.

Mikel on his official social media platforms thanked those who supported him to have a successful career.

He said, “There is a saying that “all good things must come to an end”, and for my professional football career, that day is today.

“I look back at the past 20 years of my career, and I must say that I am very satisfied with all that I was able to achieve and more importantly the human it has helped shape.

“All of this would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my family, managers, clubs, coaches, teammates and most importantly my ever-loyal fans.

“You supported me through my highs and lows, even on days that I did not live up to your expectations. I say a big thank you.

“I will also like to encourage everyone who I may have inspired one way or the other in the course of my career to never give up on their dreams, for every time you think about quitting, remind yourself why you started.

“This is not goodbye, it’s the start of another journey, another chapter of my life. I look forward to what the future holds and I hope you will walk with me. Thank you.”

Mikel is regarded as one of the greatest players that came out of Nigeria with a career decorated with several trophies at the club level and on the international stage.

As a youngster, Mikel represented Nigeria at all youth levels. He was part of the U-17 team at the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Vondigest recalls that Obi rose to prominence representing Nigeria at the 2005 FIFA U-17 FIFA World Cup in the Netherlands at the Flying Eagles finished second to a Lionel Messi-led Argentina side.

Mikel also featured for the U-23 team at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil taking home a Bronze medal.

During his time with the senior national team, Mikel played an integral role when the Super Eagles won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

He was also part of Bronze medals of AFCON teams in 2006, 2010, and 2019 editions.