Veteran Nigerian coach Henry Makinwa has encouraged John Obi Mikel to consider a switch to the Nigeria Professional Football League, saying it would be a “massive win” for the Nigerian top flight.
Mikel joined EFL Championship side Stoke City on a short-term deal after leaving Turkish Super Lig outfit Trabzonspor not long after the coronavirus pandemic first became a global crisis.
However, his contract with the Potters expires at the end of the 2020-21 campaign – prompting speculation in the media about where he would continue his professional career.
“That would be highly welcomed if he can consider that option,” Makinwa told Goal when asked if Mikel should make a return to Nigeria.
“I once wrote about this many years back but that could not stand then. If he does that, we will welcome him back home.
“It would be a massive win for the NPFL and the local fans. I made the same appeal to our qualified Nigerian coaches abroad like Finidi George, Emmanuel Amuneke, Haruna Doda and so on to come home so that we can build the country’s football together.”