Super Eagles captain speaks on Cameroon game and Nigeria’s 2018 FIFA World Cup chances
Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi is confident that Nigeria will qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria are currently four points clear at the top of Group B in qualifiers and Mikel believes the Super Eagles will be closer to qualification if they win their next game at home against Cameroon.
"We are in a very good position in our group. We have two wins from two games, and in our last game we beat Algeria at home,” Mikel told the official website of FIFA.
“We have a very good young team and the players play good football. If we can win our next match (at home to Cameroon on 31 August) it will edge us closer to qualification. I think we can go through."
Nigeria will face host Cameroon in Uyo on Friday, September 1 before a return leg in Yaoundé on Monday, August 4.
"As everyone knows, they are a very good team,” Mikel said.
“They are strong and they play with confidence. We must get ourselves well prepared for this game and try our best to get on top against them. It won't be easy but these are important matches. If we win both, we will be almost there.”
Mikel has not played for the Super Eagles since the 3-1 home win over Algeria in November 2016, a game which he scored in.
The 30-year-old midfielder in April had a surgery in London for a lingering abdominal strain which sidelined him for more than three months.
Mikel is back training and has promised to do all he can to be fit for the game against Cameroon.
Mikel has returned from injury and is ready to play for the Super Eagles (Instagram/John Mikel Obi )
"I had maintained good form until this injury, so it was a shame. But this is part of the game and now I am focusing on recovery and on coming back stronger. I will do whatever I can to get fit to play for Teda and my national team,” Mikel said.
"This Nigeria team look up to me for advice. My team-mates miss me and they need me. As the captain, I want to fulfil my role and help them with my experience."
Mikel has played in just one FIFA World Cup tournament, Brazil 2014, missing the 2010 edition in South Africa due to injury.
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