Former Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi, has announced his retirement from professional football after 18 years.

Obi who began his career in the Nigeria Professional Football League with Plateau United last featured for Kuwait SC in the Kuwati League after his contract was terminated on November 21, 2021.

The 35-year-old who is arguably one of Nigeria’s most celebrated footballer featured for Chelsea, Stoke City, Middlesbrough, Kuwait SC, Trabzonspor, Tianjin TEDA, and Lyn in a career that spanned 18 years.

“There is a saying that “all good things must come to an end”, and for my professional football career, that day is today,” Mikel wrote on his social media handles.

“I look back at the past 20 years of my career, and I must say that I am very satisfied with all that I was able to achieve and more importantly the human it has helped shape.

“All of this would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my family, managers, clubs, coaches, teammates and most importantly my ever-loyal fans. You supported me through my highs and lows, even on days that I did not live up to your expectations. I say a big thank you.

“I will also like to encourage everyone who I may have inspired one way or the other in the course of my career to never give up on their dreams, for every time you think about quitting, remind yourself why you started.

“This is not goodbye, it’s the start of another journey, another chapter of my life. I look forward to what the future holds and I hope you will walk with me. Thank you.”

Obi is one of the only few players who represented Nigeria at all level. He scored one goal in three appearances for the national U-17 side, two gaols in seven appearances for the U-20 side, one goal in six appearances for the Olympic team and six goals in 86 appearances for the Super Eagles.