Despite his return to injury which he suffered in April, Nigeria Super Eagles captain, John Obi Mikel lost with his Chinese club, Tianjin Teda 2-0 to Hebei CFFC on Monday.
A goal in each half from Ezequiel Lavezzi gave Teda their 12th defeat of the Chinese Super League season.
It took to the team into the relegation zone with nine games left to play to end the season. Teda is now second bottom of the table on 15 points just a point ahead of rock bottom Yanbian Funde.
Mikel has made only four appearances for Tiajin Teda and has scored only a goal.