The Chelsea stars were confirmed to participate in the highly publicized game to give the former Super Eagles’ captain a grand curtain call from professional football, but that was not to be as fans left the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium unhappy as most because of the duo.
Mikel had been excused by the Nigeria Football Federation from the international friendly matches against Mali and Luxembourg in order to participate in the game to honour the former Eagles’ skipper.
And for Terry, he was a sure bet to grace the occasion because of his non-involvement in England’s squad for Uefa Euro 2016 billed for France next month, and because the organisers had confirmed his participation few days to the game.
Even few hours to kick-off news filtered around that the duo were in town and on team list for the game, they were named among the substitutes. Surprisingly, the duo did not turn up and no reason was given for their absence.
“This would have been the greatest day of my life if had seen John Terry physically in Nigeria. I’m a strong admirer of the Chelsea skipper and I feel sad not seeing him play this game,” a fan told Goal.
Another said: “I travelled from Accra [Ghana] to Nigeria with my friends to watch my Chelsea idols [Mikel and Terry]. So annoyed they are not here because the organisers have assured on their participation. Had I known, would have watched the game on my television at home.”
However, in the English Premier League stars' absence, Austin Okocha, Samuel Eto’o Fills and Sammy Appiah entertained spectators with blistering skills in the nine-goal thriller.
Eto’o was involved in a funny scene when he asked Okocha to be substituted due to the midfielder’s stunning skills which continuously prised open his side.
The first half ended 4-3 with Yobo scoring just before the break to keep the scores close.
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