Mikel makes losing start in the Chinese Super League with Tianjin Teda

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Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel and his teammates

Mikel was expected to shine in the encounter after making a move from Chelsea in January, but he was kept out of the game in the second half by Luneng's impressive midfielders.

The 29-year-old made lots of attempts to score in the first half, but could not find the back of the net.

Striker Binbin Liu and Papiss Cisse's goals in the 78th and 82nd minutes condemned Mikel's team Tianjin to a defeat.

Mikel and his teammates will now hope to redeem themselves in their next encounter at home to Jiangsu Sunning on Friday March 10, 2017.