Former Nigerian international John Mikel Obi has responded to fans who criticised his performances with the national team.

The former Chelsea midfielder believes representing Nigeria remains one of his difficult challenges due to the limited time to train with his international teammates.

According to Mikel, some Nigerian fans do not regard him as a Super Eagles legend because his achievements with with Chelsea far outweighs what he accomplished with Nigeria.

“I have a sort of love-and-hate relationship with my Nigerian fans because they always think I’ve been successful with Chelsea, and I put in more effort in terms of winning trophies with the London club,” Mikel said.

“I want to let them know that it doesn’t work like that. Sometimes, when it comes to playing with the national team, I come and see the players for two to four days and I play a game.

“I always say international football is the most difficult trophy to win. When you win with your national team, it is actually the toughest.”

The 2013 AFCON winner insisted he remains one of the most dedicated players Nigeria has ever had.

“So I had that sort of love-and-hate relationship. I do care about playing for Nigeria because I was the star of the team, and that is why they put so much pressure on me.”

Mikel Obi’s honours with Nigeria include winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013, three third-place finishes (2006, 2010, and 2019), and a runners-up medal at the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup, according to Transfermarkt.

WDN