Nigeria took a big step
in the banishment of the ghosts of the short-lived Sunday Oliseh era by
naming John Obi Mikel captain of the Super Eagles on Thursday.
Ahmed Musa, 23, who was installed captain by Oliseh after the former
coach fell out with goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, said he thought it
needful to hand over the armband to the more senior Mikel.
Oliseh’s short spell also saw the early retirement of striker Emmanuel
Emenike and it was said that players felt belittled by comments which
the gaffer made to them leaving many on edge and afraid of their future
in the squad.
“I’m no longer the Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi is the Super
Eagles captain,” Musa said to applause from the media.
The 28-year-old Chelsea midfielder, who made his Nigeria bow 10 years
ago but was overlooked for the armband by Oliseh, praised the
magnanimity of the forward whom he described as a “wonderful
professional”. “It takes a man to come out to do what he did,” Mikel
said.
Coach Samson Siasia called his team the “new Super Eagles” as he spoke
of an improved spirit in camp that they hope will see them triumph over
the Pharaohs who lead Group G with six points.
“We’re working very hard to make sure we come out and make Nigerians
proud tomorrow(today)” Siasia told media. “Most Nigerians were actually
afraid of the Super Eagles before, that was before, this is the brand
new Super Eagles. This is the youngest group of players for the first
time in Nigerian history that would play tomorrow.”
Nigeria face the seven-time African champions at the Ahmadu Bello
Stadium in Kaduna needing to win before going to Alexandria for the
return leg on Tuesday March 29.
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