CSKA Moscow forward, Ahmed Musa, on Thursday stepped down as captain of the Super Eagles – announcing Chelsea midfielder, John Obi Mikel, as his successor.
Musa, 23, was controversially made skipper in October 2015 by ex-coach, Sunday Oliseh – a move which led to the abrupt retirement of his predecessor, Vincent Enyeama.
The former Kano Pillars winger who was quite aware of the rancour the decision has caused says he is stepping down “just to correct what was done in the past”.
And Musa admits “Mikel is the oldest serving player in the team and it is the right thing for him to have the armband”.
But was that the only reason why the Leicester City target denounced the most courted position in Nigerian football?
Here are four other reasons why the former VV Venlo man might have relinquished the captaincy to Mikel.
Most caps
With 72 caps, Mikel is the longest serving player in the current Eagles team. The 28-year-old who made his debut in August 2005 is just one game away from equalling former skipper, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha’s record as fifth all-time most capped player.
Experience and exposure
Apart from being the most capped player, Mikel is the most experienced and exposed in the team. The Chelsea no 12 has played at the highest level for 10 years since his move to Stamford Bridge. During this time, he has constantly featured in the Barclays Premier League, Champions League, Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cup.
Most decorated
Mikel is arguably Nigeria’s most decorated player of all time. The former Lyn Oslo man possesses an Africa Cup of Nations gold medal, unlike another Nigerian great, Kanu Nwankwo. Just like the Arsenal legend, Mikel has won the Champions League, Europa League, two Premier League titles, four FA Cups and two League Cups.
Seen it all at all levels
Mikel has represented Nigeria at all cadres apart from the U-23’s. He stared at the FiFA U-17 World Cup in 2003, before impressing at the U-20 version two years later – a tourney where Nigeria won silver. The former Plateau United prodigy however missed out from the Dream Team squad that won silver in 2008 due to a misunderstanding with then coach, Samson Siasia.
