A member of the Nigeria Under-23s, who are schedule to leave their camp in the United States of America for Brazil later today for the Rio 2016 Olympics has hailed the influence of Chelsea star John Obi Mikel in the team.
Picked as one of the over age player in Nigeria’s Olympic team, the 29 year old was recently named the captain of the Nigeria Under-23s in addition to his role as captain of the entire Nigerian contingent to the Olympics.
Sadiq Umar in a chat with Owngoalnigeria.com, revealed the second longest serving Chelsea player who is also the captain of the Super Eagles has been more than a captain to the team as he has been impacting positively on their confidence level.
” I never thought I will be this close to someone like Mikel in such a short time. The closest have gotten to him before now was watching him play live” Sadiq Umar told Owngoalnigeria.com.
” Mikel is a role model, I can’t help but hail how he has taken us all like his younger brothers, he is always wanting to know how we faring, if one is hit, he checks on you, he is humble to a fault.
“He has in more ways than one lift our spirit as a team, he has impacted on our lives positively, the energy he puts into training, the commitment, the drive and the passion has really increased our confidence”
