Javier Mascherano John Obi Mikel Argentina Nigeria World Cup 2018Gabriel Rossi

Mikel hopes to continue after Nigeria World Cup ouster

John Obi Mikel has stated that he wishes to continue with the Nigeria national team on the back of their exit from the 2018 Fifa World Cup.

On Tuesday, at the Saint Petersburg Stadium, the Super Eagles lost 2-1 to Argentina in their last group game at the 2018 global football showpiece which effectively ended their campaign.

The 31-year-old midfielder won his 85th cap in the disappointing tie which saw a last-16 ticket snatched from the grasp of Gernot Rohr's side with four minutes left from regulation time.

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Mikel made his debut for the three-time African champions in August 2005 against Libya and he, however, hopes to continue with the team.

“I am really proud of the boys, of everybody, of the coaches, for what we have achieved. Thanks for all the Nigerians back home and the ones who came out to support us,” Mikel said after the Argentina game.

John Obi Mikel ps

“I hope I can still be around. It's a fantastic team, I have enjoyed my time with the national team all of my years. I have never been in a team like this before.

"Amazing guys, funny, always nice to be around. The coach as well, we’ve all had a good time since the coach came in, the team have worked.

“We have a group who listen, and want to improve, which is very important for Nigerian football. Nations Cup, we will see, I want to take every year as it comes and see what happens.”

The Super Eagles will shift their attention to the 2019 African Cup of Nations qualifiers where they meet Seychelles on September 6.

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