IKENWA NNABUOGOR writes that despite being Nigeria’s most decorated player in Europe, Mikel Obi still has some catching up to do as regards reaching a century of international caps and becoming the player to appear the most at the AFCON.
Had the Super Eagles not missed out on the AFCON at three recent editions, including two consecutive tournaments, Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi would have etched his name in the history books as the player with record appearance.
Barring injuries, Mikel would have attended the Nations Cup a record eight times had Eagles not failed to attend the continental party in 2012, 2015 and 2017.
Guinea knocked out the three-time African champions when joint hosts of Gabon and Equatorial Guinea hosted Africa’s football feast, denying the former Chelsea star of his fourth appearance.
Further absences at 2015 and 2017 editions could mean Mikel may not break the African record as he may be signing out after this edition in Egypt.
Fresh out of the junior team and amidst his transfer troubles involving Manchester United and Chelsea, Mikel was blooded into the senior team to make his Nations Cup debut in Egypt in 2006. He would help his country finish third best.
Subsequent appearances in Ghana and Angola in 2008 and 2010 respectively, would prepare a title encore in 2013 in South Africa, 19 years after Super Eagles became two-time African champions.
Former Eagles captain Joseph Yobo currently holds the record of most appearances, six outings from 2002 in Mali through holding aloft the title in 2013 in South Africa.
Eagles’ legends like the late Musa Lawal, former Eagles captain late Stephen Keshi and late Rashidi Yekini at some point held records of attending the Nations Cup five times apiece.
At 32, Mikel appears to have at least two finals to attend and should he be in the party, the former Golden Eaglet would have consigned any record held by any African.
However, this may not be achieved as Mikel hinted earlier that he would be drawing his Eagles’ career curtains.
Currently pursuing a centurion status, Mikel, at 86 caps, is also eyeing Vincent Enyeama’s and Yobo’s record of 101 Eagles’ appearances.
It will be very interesting should Mikel achieve these records to end his illustrious career on a high.
