Mikel now Super Eagles' captain

Mikel Obi

Super Eagles forward Mikel Obi on Thursday emerged the team’s new captain ahead of Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Pharaohs of Egypt on Friday in Kaduna. Punchng.com reports.

The Eagles forward and tentative Captain, Ahmed Musa, handed the captain’s band to Obi during the team’s parley with journalists in Kaduna, News Agency of Nigeria reported.

While handing over the captain’s band at Ahmadu Bello Stadium, venue of the match, Musa said that Obi deserved the captainship since he is the oldest player in the team.

Obi, who is the Eagles’ longest serving player, thanked Ahmed Musa for handing over to him.

“It takes a man to do what he has done, so I commend him,’’ Obi said.

On the encounter with their Egyptian counterparts, Obi said that though it would be a tough match, the Eagles would do their best to win.

The Super Eagles’ Interim Coach, Samson Siasia, said that he was happy to see Musa hand over the captainship to the oldest player in the team.

He also said that Musa would now serve as the team’s Vice-Captain.

Siasia expressed confidence that the team would beat the Egyptian side during the Friday’s encounter.