Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr has stated that John Obi Mikel remains the captain of the team until the player says otherwise.
The Super Eagles are currently preparing to feature in the 2019 AFCON in Egypt, and Rohr has expressed excitement at the news of his captain signing with Middlesbrough.
Speaking on the sideline of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Match Day 4 between MFM FC and Rangers International FC of Enugu, he said,
“We are very happy with the news about Mikel joining Middlesborough because it has been a long time he played last for the team, but he is a player who really wants to play for the team.
“He wishes to return to Europe to be with his family and find a good club which he has done. Right now, he needs more time to be back in the team because we have yet to see him after the World Cup.
“We want him to come back to the national team like other players. If he is playing well with his new team, he stands a chance of coming back to us, but he has not told me he will quit the team.
“He remains the captain of the team till he says otherwise, we will be happy to have him back for his experience,” Rohr said.