Mikel to return against South Africa in November

Mikel to return for S’Africa tie By Admin Super Eagles technical adviser, Gernot Rohr has said that his captain Mikel Obi will return for the team’s African Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa in November, BSN Sports reports. Mikel has not played for the Eagles since the last FIFA World Cup as the former Chelsea midfielder missed Nigeria’s African Cup of Nations tie with Seychelles and the friendly with Liberia and he is also not available for the back-to-back encounters with Libya. Rohr confirmed the Tianji TEDA star opted out of the clash with the Mediterranean Knights because of fitness issue. “Mikel called to inform me on his unavailability,” the coach said on Thursday. “He (Mikel) told me he wasn’t ready physically for the demands of playing for the national side at least for now.” “He hasn’t been in the squad of Tianjin Teda recently and that shows he is yet to hit 100% fitness.” “When he is fit, he will come back to the Super Eagles and play. He sends his messages and is always with us in spirit. Hopefully, he should be back for the game against South Africa in November.” Credit: newtelegraphonline.com