John Mikel Obi remains one of the most dedicated players to ever play for Nigeria. For a footballer who rose through the ranks, featuring for his country at U17, U20 and U23 levels, the decorated international career he had was expected.

Having made his international debut in a friendly against Libya in 2005, Mikel went on to cop 91 caps for the Super Eagles. Those caps included appearances in multiple Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the FIFA World Cup.

When Mikel finally hung his boots, he did so having won several personal and team accolades. He helped Nigeria to finish as runners-up at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championships while winning the silver ball after emerging as the second-best player in the tournament behind Lionel Messi.

Mikel reached the pinnacle of his international career in 2013 when he helped the Super Eagles annex their third AFCON trophy, and was also part of Nigeria’s Olympic team that won a bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics.

He has recently been in the news, with Samson Siasia, who coached Mikel at under-20 and under-23 levels, branding him “stubborn” in a recent interview with ATHLST.

Ranking Mikel Obi’s international goals for the Super Eagles

For all of Mikel’s important contributions, though, he found the back of the net only six times during his time with the Nigeria national team. Never mind that he spent a decade and a half with the Super Eagles, scoring goals were never a part of his game.

When he did score, however, they were usually special and he has a collection of goals that would dazzle in any highlight reel.

Below, Afrik Foot has ranked Mikel’s top international goals, from worst to best.

Mikel Obi’s well-taken penalty against Liberia (2013 AFCON playoff)

Perhaps the least glamorous among Mikel’s goals for his country, the midfielder converted a penalty in a final 2013 AFCON qualifying playoff against Liberia.

With the Super Eagles drawing 2-2 in Monrovia, they thrashed Lone Stars 6-1 in the reverse fixture to book their place at the AFCON, which they would go on to win later that year. Mikel had returned to the national team and was playing in his first game under Stephen Keshi. However, he showed nerves of steel to beat Liberia goalkeeper Nathaniel Sherman from 12 yards.

Mikel Obi’s header against Benin (2008 AFCON)

It’s beginning to look like Mikel only scored in high-stakes matches and one of those goals came during the 2008 AFCON in Ghana when Nigeria faced off against Benin.

The Super Eagles cruised to a 2-0 victory following goals from Mikel and Yakubu Aiyegbeni. Mikel’s goal was a towering back-post header. He may not be known for his aerial prowess but he certainly took his header well for this goal.

Mikel Obi beats offside trap to score against Algeria (2018 World Cup qualifier)

Another goal by Mikel that stands out is his strike against Algeria during the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier, which Nigeria won 3-1.

Having worked a short corner on the right, the midfielder dropped into the number nine position and was found with a through pass that caught Algeria’s defence ball-watching. The North Africans thought he was offside and so stopped playing, but Mikel was marginally on-side and he made no mistake coolly slotting the ball on the wrong side of the goalkeeper. Again, his timing and composure for this goal were reminiscent of a stone-cold sniper.

Mikel Obi’s long-range goal against Zimbabwe (2006 AFCON)

Mikel’s strike from distance against Zimbabwe during the 2006 AFCON also ranks among his best for Nigeria. The goal came in the Super Eagles’ second group game against the Warriors.

Following a goalless first half, Christian Obodo put Nigeria in the lead in the 57th minute. Three minutes later, though, Mikel doubled their lead with a beautiful strike from the outside of the box. After receiving the ball on the edge of the box, Mikel took two touches before unleashing a shot that made the net bulge.

Mikel Obi’s toe-poked finish against Cameroon (2018 World Cup qualifier)

The goal on the bill is Mikel’s strike against Cameroon in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying game in Uyo in September 2017. With Nigeria needing to win to boost their chances of qualification, the Super Eagles stepped up and defeated their opponents 4-0 at home.

Mikel was among the goals, with the midfielder scoring Nigeria’s second of the day. Mikel reacted quickest to a cross from Victor Moses, beating his marker for pace before toe-poking the ball into the back of the net. It was a goal that demonstrated a striker’s instincts, especially with the way Mikel lost his markers in the box.

Mikel Obi’s brilliant curler against Uruguay (2013 FIFA Confederations Cup)

At number one is Mikel’s beautiful curling effort against Uruguay in the group stage of the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil. The South Americans had taken the lead through Diego Lugano after Nigeria failed to defend a corner kick properly.

But, as fate would have it, Mikel equalised with a brilliant effort after bamboozling Lugano. Having received the ball on the edge of the box, the former Chelsea midfielder opened his body to dribble past Lugano before curling the ball into the net with his left foot. For a midfielder, Mikel’s composure and finishing were impeccable at that moment.