Super Eagles midfielder John Mikel Obi has officially called his time with Nigeria’s national men’s football team following the Super Eagles third-place finish at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Mikel, who captained the team to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, announced his retirement on his official Instagram handle on Thursday.

“Egypt is a country where I’ve started and have finished my National career. In 2006 I played my first official championship for my Country,” Mikel said.

“2019 African Cup of Nations marks my last championship for National Team with Super Eagles,” he added.

The 32-year-old also took the time to appreciate supporters who have supported his international career since his U-17 World Cup debut in 2003 adding that it was now time to pass on the torch to the younger generation.

The former Chelsea midfielder scored 6 goals in his 90 appearances for the Super Eagles.

While in his junior playing days, Mikel made 3 appearances for the Golden Eaglets with a goal to his name. At the U-20 level, he played 20 games, scoring a goal and contributing 2 assists.

Mikel won the hearts fo Nigerian supporters when he captained the Dream Team VI to Olympic bronze medal in Brazil after beating Honduras in the semifinals of the men’s game.

The Trabzonspor player, who was named CAF Young Player of the Year in 2005 and 2006, won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations coached by the Late Stephen Keshi.