TheCable

John Mikel Obi, Chelsea and Nigeria midfielder, has been named captain of Team Nigeria to the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Brazil.

Obi, one of the two over-aged players invited to the national U-23 football team for the games, is making his first appearance at an Olympic games.

According to a statement released by the ministry of sports Tuesday afternoon, Funke Oshonaike, table tennis star, will be the assistant team captain.

This will be Oshonaike’s sixth appearance at the Olympics, following her debut at Atlanta ’96.

The Dream Team VI is expected to depart for Rio from Atlanta On July 29, 2016.

Other athletes hopefully are expected to leave Nigeria on the same day.

Obi and Oshonaike were chosen because of their consistency, patriotism and dedication to national assignments, the statement said.

“Mikel is a young, patriotic footballer of international status and we believe he will be a role model to the upcoming athletes while Funke Oshonaike is experienced and is one of the oldest athletes in the team.

“We believe that their combined efforts will bring goodwill to ‘Team Nigeria’ and project the county’s image positively to the world.”