Mikel Leads Tianjin TEDA in Narrow Defeat as Captain Prepares for International Duties

In a closely contested Chinese Super League clash, Tianjin TEDA, led by Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel, faced a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Henan Jianye on Sunday. The match, held at the Zhengzhou Hanghai Stadium, marked Tianjin TEDA’s first setback of the season, following a 1-1 draw against Hebei Fortune in their previous encounter.

The lone goal that sealed Henan Jianye’s victory came early in the game, with Orlando Sa finding the net in the seventh minute. Despite the best efforts of Mikel and his teammates, Tianjin TEDA was unable to overturn the deficit, leaving them with their first loss in the current campaign.

Mikel, who joined Tianjin TEDA in the previous season, showcased his experience and skill in the midfield during the encounter. The Nigerian captain’s contribution has been pivotal, featuring in his 15th game for the club. With a goal and an assist to his name, Mikel’s leadership on the pitch has been instrumental in Tianjin TEDA’s overall performance.

As the domestic season unfolds, Mikel is set to don the Super Eagles jersey in the upcoming international friendlies against Poland and Serbia. Leading Nigeria’s charge, Mikel will bring his wealth of experience to the international stage, aiming to inspire his team to success on the road to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.