Hope Akpan has heaped praise on John Obi Mikel after making a winning debut for Nigeria on Wednesday.
The 23-year old English-born Reading midfielder stepped out for the Super Eagles for the first time in their 3-1 win over Sudan in their 2015 African Cup of Nations qualifier in Abuja and had some complimentary words for new teammate and Chelsea veteran Mikel.
A clearly elated Akpan posted the following on Twitter regarding both the influence of Mikel and his feelings after making his debut for the country of his parents' origin.
This guy made it easy for me. Learnt a lot in a short space of time. True professional. #AFCON2015@NGSuperEaglespic.twitter.com/n6ThN6qIea
— Hope Akpan (@HopeAkpan) October 15, 2014
Delighted is an understatement. I have realised a small dream today making my international debut for @NGSuperEagles
— Hope Akpan (@HopeAkpan) October 15, 2014
