Mikel Obi is new Super Eagles skipper

Chelsea midfielder, John Obi Mikel, has been announced as the new skipper of the Nigeria men’s national team on Thursday.

Super Eagles players during a meeting with Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-rufai, ahead of their game against Pharaohs of Egypt

Mikel, who is the longest-serving member of the current squad having made his début in 2006 will now lead the team against Egypt in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on March 25.

The announcement was made at a press conference held in Kaduna on Friday as Ahmed Musa, who was made captain by Sunday Oliseh after Vincent Enyeama’s retirement, relinquished the armband to the Chelsea midfielder.

Musa revealed that it is an anomaly for him to be captain of the team when Mikel, who is the most senior member of the squad, is still with the team.

The Chelsea midfielder promised he will be a good leader to the team and thanked his teammates for the opportunity.

“I want to thank Musa and the team. It will be a new Super Eagles with a new approach,” he said after the announcement.

Nigeria will, on Friday, meet the Pharaohs of Egypt in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.

Egypt lead the group with six points, two ahead of Nigeria.

Tanzania defeated Chad 1-0 in N’Djamena on Wednesday to go level with Nigeria on points but the Super Eagles lead on goals difference.