By ESPN
John Obi Mikel will be missing on Tuesday as Nigeria face Serbia in London, but the Super Eagles skipper has taken to social media to offer his support to his teammates.
The West Africans’ captain had hoped to join the team for Tuesday’s friendly after missing Friday’s 1-0 victory over Poland in Wroclaw.
However, the work permit issues that prevented him from featuring last week have again denied him the chance to take to the field as Nigeria continue their pre-World Cup preparations.
“I’m excited to see how far we can go as a team this year,” Mikel wrote on his @mikel_john_obi Twitter handle. “Tonight is another step on that journey.
“I’m with you tonight,” he continued. “Soar Super Eagles.”
An inability to renew his Chinese work permit is understood to be the reason why Mikel has remained in China rather than travelling to Europe during the international break.
“Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond my control I will not be on the field for our game v Serbia tomorrow,” he tweeted on Monday.
“I am sad, and frustrated, but giving my full support to the team for another win!”
Victor Moses’s 61st-minute penalty was the difference-maker against Poland as Nigeria continued their superb form against the team ranked sixth in the world.
However, they face another stern test on Tuesday at Barnet’s The Hive home when they meet a Serbia side who will be keen to return to form after being defeated 2-1 by Morocco last week.