Debutant Mikel plays for 62 minutes in Boro’s victory

Super Eagles Captain John Obi Mikel made a starting debut for Middlesbrough Saturday, playing for 62 minutes in the 4th round FA cup tie against Newport.

Mikel who had vowed shortly after signing the deal few days back to help the Championship side get back to the elite division was handed number 2 jersey for the match playing directly in front of the back four of the Tony Pulis tutored side.

The new club appears determined to give their new buy a fresh identity as his name on the lineup was indicated as Nchekwube Obinna.

The former Chelsea midfielder’s full name of course is John Michael Nchekwube Obinna.

The debut ended in a victory for Middlesbrough who shot into the lead in the 54th minute of the match thanks to Spain import Daniel Ayala. Middlesbrough dominated proceedings and no doubt deserved their victory with Mikel getting a replacement in Adam Clayton in the 62nd minute.

With the FA cup tie sorted out Mikel will turn his attention to the regular championship ties beginning from next Saturday when they take on West Brom away.

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr is happy with Mikel’s move to the Championship side in England noting that it is important that he has a place “where he can play regurlar football”.

Middlesbrough are 5th on the 24-team championship log with 47 points in 28 matches played so far.

Ahead of Middlesbrough on the log are Leads United, Norwich City, Sheffered Wednesday and West Brom in the 1st to 4th position in that order.