Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel will miss Friday’s friendly game against Poland in Wroclaw after failing to renew his work permit on time in China.
The news of Mikel’s omission adds to the list of Eagles that won’t be making the Poland game as Akwa United’s Gabriel Okechukwu and Egypt’s best foreign player of the year, Junior Ajayi dropping from the team due to visa issues.
However, the friendly match being an avenue for coach Gernot Rohr to examine the players and experiment with the talents at his disposal ahead of the Russia 2018 fiesta, it will be thoughtful for the tactician to use the games to solidify the Super Eagles team depth.
With the former Chelsea midfielder out of the Poland tie, it opens the door for Italy based Joel Obi who is aiming to play for the Super Eagles for the first time in five years.
Mikel’s absence could also see Kelechi Iheanacho return to his traditional midfield role, playing from behind the attackers.
The midfield department already have the likes of Wilfred Ndidi, Ogenyi Onazi, John Ogu. But with Oghenekaro Etebo also out (injured), Joel Obi would likely be taking the Number 10 role on Friday.
Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho and Torino star, Joel Obi has been tipped to replace the Captain in the Number 10 role against Poland on Friday…
What are your own thoughts?
Who should replace Mikel? Iheanacho or Joel Obi.
