Criticism trails Mikel Obi’s Team Nigeria captaincy

John Mikel Obi’s selection as Team Nigeria’s flag bearer at next month’s Olympic Games in Rio, has sparked off some controversies.
Leader of the 85-man contigent to the competition, Christian Ohaa, hailed the Chelsea midfielder’s patriotism, but some observers feel either table tennis star, Segun Toriola or sprint sensation, Blessing Okagbare, would have been more deserving.



“I’m surprised with Mikel’s selection because this is his debut at the Olympics,” sports analyst, Olawale Ishola, said.


“This was possibly to honour him, but I hope it will not cause a rancour in the contingent.

“I would have picked Toriola or Okagbare ahead of Mikel.”

Nigeria will take part in eight sports – football, canoeing, rowing, athletics, table tennis, boxing, weightlifting and wrestling.