The captain of Super Eagles who last played for the Super Eagles in World Cup 2018 Russia confirmed his participation in the 2019 AFCON. The 32 years old will be making return back to the team after he had a fruitful discussion with the Super Eagles gaffer in London but this has caused mixed reactions amidst the ranks of the NFF.

A Member of the NFF Reforms Committee, Osasu Obayiuwana has revealed that a top chieftain of the Nigeria Football Federation is against the return of Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi to the team ahead of 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, stating that the presence of the 32 year old combative midfielder could be disruptive.

Obayiuwana told complete sports that after a meeting with the Super Eagles coaching staff last Saturday in London, the former Chelsea star stated that he was “strong, fit and ready to return” to the team for the AFCON.

“A top NFF official, in a frank “off-the-record” discussion with me wondered if it wouldn’t be disruptive for Mikel to return, after being absent from the team for a year,”Obayiuwana tweeted.“He was critical of Mikel’s attitude, to his colleagues and officials, during his self-imposed absence.”

“But the decision to include Mikel – and whether he’ll regain the captain’s band – is purely down to the Super Eagles Head Coach, Gernot Rohr, who is expected to name his 26-man AFCON preliminary squad this week.”

Mikel last featured for the three-time African champions 11 months ago and has missed the Super Eagles last seven games. Mikel made 18 appearances for Middlesbrough and scored one goal. If he makes the Super Eagles squad to AFCON 2019, the 32-year-old will be making his fourth appearance in the tournament since he made his debut at the in 2006 edition.

According to the captain of the Super Eagles , the coach told me about his plans for the Nations cup and I believe we are in the same page to i will be going to the nation cup with the team, hopefully that will be my last Nation Cup.

Mikel obi presently who have 85 caps with six goals to his credit, The former Chelsea player made his debut for the Super Eagles 2005 the same year he featured in the U 20 world cup in Holland. The Super Eagles of  Nigeria will be up against Burundi on 22nd June, confront Guinea on 26th June and tackle Madagascar on 30th June, all in Alexandria.