Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has been appointed Honorary Adviser on Sport to the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang.
The appointment was announced on Thursday in Jos, the capital of Plateau State. Mikel, who was born in Jos, is a product of the Plateau United Football Academy. He started his professional career with the club in 2002 before moving to Lyn Oslo in Norway in 2004.
Mikel went on to have a successful career in Europe, playing for Chelsea, and Trabzonspor. He is also a two-time African Cup of Nations winner with Nigeria.
In his new role, Mikel will advise the governor on matters relating to sports development in Plateau State. He will also be involved in promoting the state's sporting activities, including the Plateau United Football Club.
Plateau United finished 10th in the 2022/23 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season. They missed out on the Super Six, which is the top six teams in the league that compete for the championship.
Mikel's appointment is seen as a major boost for Plateau State's sports development. He is a highly respected figure in the Nigerian football scene and his experience will be invaluable to the governor.