It is a celebration mood for Nigeria football fans after hearing a very good news about one of the most important members of the Super Eagles Squad. Just yesterday, captain John Obi Mikel has confirmed that he will return to the Super Eagles’ fold for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, a news that have been well received by fans as they have waited to hear this confirmation from the former Chelsea midfielder. The Middlesbrough midfielder exempted himself from international outings since theSuper Eagles’ exit from the World Cup last June.

Mikel’s last game for Nigeria was against Argentina at the 2018 Fifa World Cup and he is yet to feature for the country since their group stage exit in Russia. The 32-year-old has missed the Super Eagles’ last seven games including five qualifying matches for the continental showpiece in Egypt. In March, Rohr disclosed that the Middlesbrough midfielder missed out of his last selection through a knee injury. Following a meeting with the German tactician, Mikel disclosed his readiness for his fourth appearance in Africa’s foremost football competition.

“I met with coach Rohr and we discussed his plans for the team in the forthcoming tournament. All I can say is that I am delighted and happy because I am coming to the Nations Cup” Mikel told Aoifootball.

Mikel was impressive for Middlesbrough in the second part of the 2018-19 season. The former Chelsea player scored a goal in 18 Championship outings but his contribution was not enough to earn the Boro a playoff spot. He will now shift his focus to Nigeria’s campaign in Egypt as they aim for a fourth continental title.

In the other news, Nigeria fans have also receive another exciting news about one of Nigeria’s star player this season. According to reports emanating from Spain, Spanish champions Barcelona are lining up a sensational move for Super Eagles wonderkid Samuel Chhukwueze.

Don Balon claims the La Liga giants have decided to do away with the services of Brazil star Philippe Coutinho, who has struggled to live up to expectations since a big money move from Liverpool in January 2018. The Blaugrana have made Villarreal winger Chukwueze their top target this summer in the event that Coutinho departs the Camp Nou.

The Nigerian winger commands a transfer fee in the region of 60 million euros and is also on the radar of Premier League duo Liverpool and Manchester City. Villarreal are hoping to offer Chukwueze a new deal but little progress has been made as he doesn’t want his market value to increase. He has scored 8 goals for Villarreal’s first team this season, including his strike against Barcelona last month.

Former Nigeria internationals Emmanuel Amunike and Gbenga Okunowo made appearances for Barcelona’s first team before hanging up their boots and Chukwueze could follow in their footsteps if the transfer materializes. He is also expected to be part of the squad that will represent the country in the forthcoming tournament in Egypt after rejecting to play for the Flying Eagles.

The Super Eagles are up against Madagascar, Burundi and Guinea in Group B.

Do you think Super Eagles still need Mikel Obi in the squad or they can do without him? Share your view on this in the comment section below… Thanks