Iwobi, Iheanacho Are The Future Of Super Eagles….Skipper, Mikel Obi

Super Eagles skipper, John Obi Mikel has hailed Nigeria’s batch of future stars and believes Arsenal youngster Alex Iwobi and Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho can be mainstays for years to come.

The pair have enjoyed breakthrough seasons in the Premier League this term, with Iwobi scoring on his first league start against Everton at the weekend and Iheanacho notching in three of his 17 top-flight outings.And Mikel, who is the new captain of the Super Eagles, has been hugely impressed by the teenagers and believes the addition of such young and hungry players to the squad has brought a new  dynamic to the setup.“It’s amazing to see these young players coming through – Iwobi and Iheanacho – they’re doing great for their clubs and I think they are the future of this Super Eagles,” Mikel told reporters. “We have got a right blend now of older and younger players. I think it is always good to have this balance with young players so that they can learn and grow fast in the game.

“It’s quite different playing in the national team and playing in the clubs so it’s good for them to start early. In years to come I think we will see them do well.”

Nigeria take on Egypt in qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations on Friday, and the fixture sees Mikel come up against short-lived Chelsea team-mate Mohamed Salah. “No, I haven’t [kept in touch] but I’lsee him tomorrow,” Mikel continued. “He’s a nice guy, it’s just unfortunate that things didn’t work out for him at Chelsea but you can see he’s doing well in Rome.

“He’s playing well and scoring goals. He’s a down to earth guy, someone I have great respect for. It would be nice to see him and play against him in the national team.”