Former Nigeria international, Benedict Akwuegbu, has told Completesports.com he’s ‘proud’ of John Obi Mikel and Odion Ighalo services to the Super Eagles but earnestly appeals to them to rescind their decision to retire from the national team duties.
Soon after Nigeria won her 8th AFCON bronze medal following a hard fought 1-0 win against Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in the Third-Place match on Wednesday, the duo announced their departure from the international scene, first by captain Mikel Obi and later Odion Ighalo.
Akwuegbu admits there is time to come and time to leave, but he appeals to the players to review their decision to quit at this stage.
“Mikel is a fantastic player, so also Ighalo who even won the Golden Boot award with five goals in the AFCON 2019 tournament,” Akwuegbu said.
” They played a remarkable role in Super Eagles bronze win even though we had looked forward for the trophy.
“But that’s it. Wishes, they say, are never horses. They did their best, not only in Egypt but during their entire national team careers.
“You don’t play football all through your life. They feel they have seen it and should leave the stage. I wish them well but I feel they should have to stay more.
“Yes, I believe they are still relevant to the national team and the NFF ought to try to convince them to have a change of decision”.
Akwuegbu would reflect on the concluded AFCON, pointing out that indeed, it was true reflection of the high quality of African football.
“I think the best team won. Algeria deserved the cup because they were highly tactical, disciplined, organised never lost a game throughout the championship.
” Senegal on their part, were good, physically strong, skillful but were unable to break down the Algerians.
“It was a worthy final that represents the best of African football,” Akwuegbu concluded.