According to an exclusive new report, Super Eagles captain, John Obi Mikel, has been handed a new role by Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte.
Mikel Obi celebrating after he won a Bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics
Captain of the Super Eagles and Olympic Bronze winning football star, John Michael Nchekwube Obinna, popularly known as Mikel Obi, has been reportedly handed a new free role by Chelsea FC coach, Antonio Conte.
The 29-year-old Chelsea star who is presently the second longest serving player in the squad, has been juggling with two different roles. He plays as a defensive midfielder for his club while he plays in a more advanced role for Nigeria.
According to an exclusive report by
OwnGoalNigeria, Chelsea coach, Conte has decided to hand Mikel the same role as he plays in the Nigeria national team as part of the sweetener he wants to use in luring him to sign a new deal at Stamford Bridge.
Conte signed N’Golo Kante for the role Mikel has been alternating with Nemanja Matic, raising doubts about the chances of the Mikel getting to play games for the team this season.
According to reports, Chelsea held talks with Mikel’s representatives this week where Mikel was promised a role same as the one he plays for the Nigeria national team, and it’s expected that he will now be seen in a more attacking role and possibly signed a new deal.
“Mikel and Conte had a chat about his role in the team, although he has been assured he will be played in the role that suits him the more by the manager. He is also ready to fill in anywhere he is needed for the team”, a source close to the player revealed.