AFCON 2023: Mikel Obi Responds To Question About Interest in Nigeria’s Super Eagles Job

• Mikel Obi remains one of Nigeria’s foremost football icons in recent history
• The ex-Super Eagles star has recently been in the media for various reasons
• The 2013 AFCON winner has expressed interest in a Super Eagles position

Ivory Coast is buzzing with palpable excitement as the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is set to take command of the footballing scenes later this month.

The Super Eagles are raring to go all the way, and the three-time competition winners are tipped by many to clinch the title come February 14.

Among the many tipping Jose Peseiro’s side to go all the way is the former captain of the team, John Obi Mikel.

The 36-year-old retired footballer has recently opened up on his wish for his nation ahead of the competition.

Among the plethora of things the 2013 AFCON winner touched on during his chat with media outlet, CNN, the former Super Eagles captain also highlighted his desire to work with the national team.

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Mikel on working with the Super Eagles

Teased by Darren Lewis about the prospect of managing the team, the former Chelsea midfielder promptly distanced himself from the pressure and discussed his desire for a more diplomatic role.

"While I would love to one day, I don't want to be a manager. I don't want to be sacked. I hate getting sacked," he stated.

Expressing reservations about handling the pressures of a managerial role, he expressed a keen interest in contributing in some capacity to the national team. Mikel envisioned a role where he could address issues from a different perspective.

"I want to be somebody who will try to fix the problem from the top."

Elaborating further, he outlined his vision of serving as a mediator between players and the football association to ensure smooth operations and effective management, emphasising the need for collaboration to achieve success.

"For me, I think that is where we should start from," Mikel stated.

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The midfielder, who had a career spanning 14 years with the Super Eagles, could prove valuable with his diplomatic instincts, having previously been key as an intermediary between the players and the administrative body of the country's national team.

Mikel, who accumulated 91 caps and six goals for Nigeria, boasts an impressive list of achievements. His accolades include winning numerous titles, notably AFCON in 2013, as well as securing the bronze medal on three occasions - in 2006, 2010, and 2019, as reported by Whoscored.

Mikel backs Osimhen for AFCON glory

Sports Brief recently reported on John Obi Mikel backing Nigerian compatriot, Victor Osimhen to win the Player of the Tournament Award in this year's Africa Cup of Nations.

The 24-year-old is expected to play a critical role for the Super Eagles in the 2023 AFCON. Nigeria last won this tournament in 2013 but are ranked as of the favourites.