Renowned former Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, has unequivocally dismissed the notion of transitioning into a coaching role within the Nigerian national team. Following his retirement from active football last year, the 36-year-old icon reflected on his illustrious career representing the Super Eagles, amassing an impressive 91 caps and notching six goals.
In a recent interview with CNN, Mikel expressed his inclination towards an administrative role, steering clear of the pressures and uncertainties that accompany coaching responsibilities. “I will be involved with the national team at some point,” he remarked, humorously adding, “But not as a coach, as I don’t want to get sacked (laughs). I can’t handle that.”
Unveiling his vision for a potential future role, Mikel hinted at a desire to mediate between the players and the federation, striving to rectify systemic issues and foster harmonious relations. “To me, success is not about what happened on the pitch but with the right structures from the top as well,” he emphasized.
Mikel’s aversion to a coaching position and his aspirations for a governance-oriented role underscore his commitment to effecting impactful change within the Super Eagles. As the footballing world continues to evolve, Mikel’s prospective contribution in a leadership capacity could mark a significant paradigm shift, emphasizing the pivotal role of structural efficacy and harmonious collaboration in national team dynamics beyond the realm of on-field performance.
