Super Eagles midfielder, Oghenekaro Etebo, has thrown light on behind-the-scene roles of the team’s captain, Mikel Obi.

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Mikel’s invitation to the national team after a year in self-exile was greeted with mixed reactions with antagonists claiming the former Chelsea star has past his prime.

In apparent defence of the 32-year-old’s selection, Etebo has spoken of his roles in the team in an interview in Egypt at the ongoing Nations Cup.

“I must tell you he is a good leader, a quality leader for that matter even when he is not on the pitch, he always encourages everyone.

“He usually advised that we should stay as a nation, which is very important and I respect him because it shows he is a leader on and off the pitch.

“The most important thing is that every team that wants to succeed sticks together because that’s what the manager also advises us, whether you are playing or not,” the combative Stoke City player said.