Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi on Sunday registered his first goal for Middlesbrough who defeated Rotherham United 2-1 at the New York Stadium on the last day of the season.
His goal which turned out to be the winning goal was however not enough to secure the playoffs ticket for Boro following the 3-1 victory of Derby County against West Brom also on Sunday.
Obi who has spent five months with the English Championship side after penning a short term deal struck 10 minutes after Britt Assombalonga had given the visitors the lead in the 27th minute from the penalty spot.
He was however booked in the 90th minute after Rotherham got their consolatory goal through Michael Smith four minutes earlier.
While happy with the victory, Obi remained disappointed for ending the season without qualifying for the playoffs.
“We knew coming into the game it wasn’t in our hands. We had a job to do and that was win the game, and see what happens. The other results didn’t go our way but it will be a goal to remember for me. The fans have been fantastic with me and I think we deserve to be in the Play-Offs. But it’s a big club and I’m sure Boro will bounce back next year.”
Also, a disappointed Coach Pulis said: “We played well first half. Again, I thought we missed a lot of chances to make it more than two. Second half we dropped off a little bit.”
“The crowd were going up and then down and I think that affected the game a little bit, and affected us maybe.We’re desperately disappointed – to win five out of your last six games and not get in is a disappointment. They’ve shown good courage and commitment over that period,” Pulis added.
Read Also: Mikel: Football is cruel
With the season now ended, Obi’s future with the Teessiders would certainly be revisited since they would be playing in the championship next season.