By Daily Sports on June 14, 2017
Nigeria captain and midfielder John Obi Mikel has insisted that his absence did not cost his side against South Africa in Uyo on Saturday.
The Super Eagles suffered their maiden competitive defeat to Bafana Bafana when they lost 2-0 in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
Mikel, who plays for Tianjin Teda in the Chinese Super League, missed the encounter against South Africa due to an injury.
The former Chelsea star feels that the young Super Eagles team will learn from the defeat to the Southern African giants.
”Saying my absence cost the team is an insult to the talented players we have in the team," Mikel told Own Goal Nigeria.
"It could have happened even if I played, you never can’t tell. The players had a bad day and we will definitely bounce back with or without me.
”In football you mustn’t win all the time. We have a young squad who are very talented and the lesson learnt from the loss will make them better equipped for our remaining games in the World Cup and AFCON Qualifiers”.
*Photo shows Mikel Obi.
Source Daily Sports
Posted June 14, 2017
You may also like...
Sissoko Signs new four-year Tottenham contract until 2023...
Nyirenda happy with preparations for Nigeria clash
Chelsea prepare bumper bid for Arsenal midfielder Aaron...
Ogbia Challenge Promoter thanks Gov. Dickson, others who...
MFM FC holds Rangers in NPFL cracker
Why Arsenal Promoted Balogun, Okonkwo To First Team...
Latest News
USHERING IN DECEMBER & CHRISTMAS
Awoniyi’s Kwara Kiddies League season IV ends Dec 14
Enyimba end three-game winless run against Rangers
Nigerian coach sells Osimhen’s boots
Aquatics federation hails NSC’s festival pool project
Chelsea's 'best player' Palmer fit to face Arsenal
I’m going to school Paul – Joshua
EPL: Arteta says Chelsea ‘fully deserving’ title rivals ahead of showdown
Osimhen undergoes tests today for Fenerbahce return
Atalanta must take UCL form to Serie A – Lookman
Crystal Palace's five-match unbeaten run ended by Strasbourg
EPL: Chelsea, Arsenal set for London derby as Man City hosts struggling Leeds
Rangers International going, going . . . (63,377 views)
Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (54,612 views)
Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (52,553 views)
Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (52,191 views)
Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (52,162 views)
Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (52,082 views)
Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (51,925 views)
NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (51,512 views)
Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (50,638 views)
Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (49,201 views)
Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (47,595 views)
John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (47,068 views)
USHERING IN DECEMBER & CHRISTMAS
Awoniyi’s Kwara Kiddies League season IV ends Dec 14
Enyimba end three-game winless run against Rangers
Nigerian coach sells Osimhen’s boots
Aquatics federation hails NSC’s festival pool project
Chelsea's 'best player' Palmer fit to face Arsenal
I’m going to school Paul – Joshua
EPL: Arteta says Chelsea ‘fully deserving’ title rivals ahead of showdown
Osimhen undergoes tests today for Fenerbahce return
Atalanta must take UCL form to Serie A – Lookman
Crystal Palace's five-match unbeaten run ended by Strasbourg
EPL: Chelsea, Arsenal set for London derby as Man City hosts struggling Leeds
Most Read
Rangers International going, going . . . (63,377 views)
Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (54,612 views)
Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (52,553 views)
Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (52,191 views)
Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (52,162 views)
Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (52,082 views)
Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (51,925 views)
NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (51,512 views)
Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (50,638 views)
Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (49,201 views)
Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (47,595 views)
John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (47,068 views)