Mikel throws in the towel and concedes he cannot make tonight's game against Serbia in London

SUPER Eagles skipper Mikel Obi has thrown in the towel and conceded that he will not be able to feature for the team tonight when it plays Serbia at Barnet's The Hives Stadium in north London due to work permit issues.

Currently playing in China Tianjin Teda, Mikel had been expected to lead the Eagles in two friendly games this month against Poland and Serbia. However, new changes to China's work permit rules have made it impossible for him to travel out of the country until he updates his permit.

Consequently, Mikel missed Nigeria's 1-0 victory over Poland in Wroclaw last Friday but had been hopeful of making today game against Serbia in London. Over the weekend, Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr has expressed confidence that the matter would be sorted out in time for Mikel to make the trip but it now appears that it is too late to resolve the issue.

Yesterday, Mikel has revealed his frustration and pain at missing the pre-world cup friendlies against Poland and Serbia. Writing on Instagram on Mikel apologised to the fans for not being able to lead the Eagles out tonight.

Mikel said :"Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond my control I will not be on the field for our game v Serbia. I am sad and frustrated but am giving my full support to the team for another win."

A certainty for Nigeria's World Cup squad, Mikel is the team's talisman, creator and the one who makes things happen. He last played for the Super Eagles during Nigeria's 4-2 win over Argentina in an international friendly in Russia last November.