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Soccer News of Monday, 11 January 2021

Source: www.mynigeria.com

Super Eagles star Wilfred Ndidi salutes Mikel Obi after FA Cup clash

Mikel Obi and Wilfred Ndidi face off in the FA Cup play videoMikel Obi and Wilfred Ndidi face off in the FA Cup

Former Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi has praised the influence of Nigerian captain, Mikel Obi after both players faced off in the third round of the F.A Cup clash on Saturday.

Goals from James Austin, Marc Albrighton, Ayoze Perez, and Harvey Barnes condemned Stoke City to a defeat at the Bet365 Stadium.

Despite the loss, Mikel Obi applauded the Nigerian playmaker for his influence in the game.

Mikel announced his retirement from national team football shortly after helping Nigeria win a bronze medal at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, Legit.ng reports.

The 33-year-old took to his social media page to confirm his decision saying he ended his senior career exactly where he started in 2006.

In 2013, the former Chelsea midfielder was part of late Stephen Keshi team that won the championship in South Africa.

During his 14 year reign at the senior national team level, Mikel scored six goals in over 85 matches as he also played in two Fifa World Cup tournaments and four Africa Cup of Nations, where he won the title in 2013 and a bronze medal in 2019.





He became Stoke's fourth signing of the current campaign after Morgan Fox, James Chester and Steven Fletcher - as the club expressed delight on his arrival.

Mikel spent 11 seasons at Stamford Bridge with Chelsea winning Premier League titles, FA Cups, League Cup, Europa League and the Champions League.

He played over 370 matches for the Blues before joining Chinese Super Eagles side Tianjin Teda on a brief spell.

Watch highlights from the game below