The Super Eagles skipper was on from start to finish as the Tigers defeated Beijing Guoan to escape demotion to League 1
John Obi Mikel’s Tianjin Teda escaped the drop from the Chinese Super League after defeating Beijing Guona 2-0 at Tianjin Olympic Center Stadium.
Mbaye Diagne’s brace inspired Uli Stielike’s men to victory to remain afloat after Yanbian bowed 2-1 at home to Henan Jianye.
The Tigers look destined for relegation at the beginning of June no thanks to their appalling run that saw them lose 10 out of 13 matches.
But a change in fortune saw them step up their game-winning four games at a bounce to steer clear of relegation battle with two games left.
30-year-old Mikel played a crucial role in this survival, netting once in 11 games for the Tianjin outfit.