Former Chelsea and Super Eagles defender Celestine Babayar has applauded the inclusion of Super Eagles Captain Mikel Obi back to the team as his experience will not only stabilise the team but help in winning the 32nd edition of Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt this Summer.
Babayaro, a member of 1996 Olympic football gold winning team who spoke to Sportinglife.ng in a telephone chat, said the recall of Obi by the Eagles’ tactician Gernot Rohr was the best decision towards lifting the trophy in Egypt when the competition gets underway next month.
” Look Mikel is a leader and a stabilizer. When he talks, his teammates listen to him. I can tell you that in a high profile competition like AFCON you need the experience to see you through. Ajax loss to Tottenham in the semi final of the Champions League due to inexperience. Mikel will ensure that the super eagles win the AFCON in Egypt. I can tell you that Nigeria will make a huge impact at the Nations Cup and I foresee super eagles crown as champion at the end of the competition” Babayaro said.
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Mikel Obi who captained the Eagles at the FIFA World Cup finals in Russia last year has not been with the team since Nigeria’s elimination from the finals after losing 1 – 2 to Messi led Argentina in the last group match at Saint Peterburg.