SPORTS: Antonio Conte hands Mikel Obi free role

Captain of the Super Eagles, John Obi Mikel has been handed a new role by coach of Chelsea Antonio Conte. Mikel, who is presently Chelsea’s second longest serving player in the squad has been juggling with two different roles. He plays as a defensive midfielder for Chelsea but plays in a more advanced role for Nigeria.

We gathered Conte has decided to hand him same role as he plays in the Nigeria national team as part of the sweetener, he wants to use in luring the 29 year old to sign a new deal at Stamford Bridge. Conte signed N’Golo Kante for the role Mikel has been alternating with Nemanja Matic, raising doubts about the chances of the Nigerian getting to play games for the team this season, but we gathered that talks were held during the week, where Mikel was promised a role same as the one he plays for the Nigeria national team.

“Mikel and Conte had a chat about his role in the team, although he has been assured he will be played in the role that suits him the more by the manager. He is also ready to fill in anywhere he is needed for the team”, a source close to the player said.

source:vanguardnews