Tianjin Teda of China midfielder, John Mikel Obi put a lie to all injury reports around him to feature for 90 minutes with his club in the Chinese Super League.
Just as it was two days before he was omitted from the Super Eagles’ list of invitees to battle Libya, Mikel again featured for the entire duration of his side’s 2-0 loss away to Shandong Luneng.
The Eagles’ captain started his 17th CSL match of the season, but could not save his side from defeat, as goals from former Southampton star Graziano Pelle and Roge Guedes ensured Teda remained without a win in nine consecutive games.
Mikel did, however, have an above average rating of 5.9, completing 81% of his passes, 100% of his dribbles, won two of 11 duels he contested and made two clearances, but was five times dispossessed of the ball.