Former Nigeria Coach Samson Siasia Reveals Why He Loves Mikel Obi

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Former Super Eagles forward Samson Siasia has hailed Nigeria captain Mikel Obi labelling him a “fantastic lad”.

Siasia made the statement when he talked with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday.

He stated, "There is nothing extraordinary amongst me and Mikel; it's just that I so much like him as a player. You can't remove it from him that he is one of the best fares of Nigerian football.

"Mikel began playing for top clubs at a beginning period in his life and has won practically all that he needs or more all, he is a decent and conferred player.

"You can likewise observe his commitment to the national group, in this way, who won't care for such a player. He is a fabulous fellow and continually playing at the best.

"On the off chance that you have such a player in your group, at that point, you can have the help of others, to me, he is an extraordinary fare and an envoy.''

The Tunisia '94 Africa Cup of Nations victor, who spoke to Nigeria at the USA '94 World Cup, said the China-based midfielder had done respectably well both at the club level and the national group.

Siasia chose Mikel for the Holland 2005 FIFA U20 World Cup where the previous Chelsea star won the Silver Ball behind Lionel Messi. Argentina beat Nigeria 2-1 in the last at Galgenwaard Stadion, Utrecht. Messi scored the South Americans' objectives while Chinedu Ogbuke scored for Nigeria.

UEFA Champions League (2012) and UEFA Europa League (2013) victor Mikel additionally helped Nigeria win bronze at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games with Siasia the mentor of the group.

Mikel left Chelsea for Chinese Super League club Tianjin TEDA after the lapse of his agreement in January 2017.