Home SPORTS We want to use this World Cup qualifiers to put things right...

We want to use this World Cup qualifiers to put things right – Mikel

469
0

John Obi MikelSuper Eagles Captain, John Obi Mikel, has stated that he is more matured now to lead the senior national team as the country seeks to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, saying that this is the time to put things right.

“Sometimes when you are young, you make mistakes but the more you grow up, the more you know the things that are more important.

“I think that I am beginning to know where I come from and that is more important than anything.

“I have more responsibility now to lead the country and the team; I think that is what I am doing right now because I enjoy every bit of it,” Mikel said.

READ ALSO  LA LIGA: Messi's brace extends Barcelona's lead to 13 points

The Chelsea midfielder noted that the team would use the opportunity of the World Cup qualifiers to make amend for not qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) two consecutive times.

“We want to use this World Cup qualifiers to put things right; I don’t think we are under any pressure but we must put in our best to win.

“I think we have to go out there and play well to win; we want to qualify for the World Cup and there is no doubt about that.

“Just like the coach said we will not only be thinking about scoring but to also defend to ensure we win.

READ ALSO  A look at what the weather will be like on Monday - NiMet

“So, we have to attack together and defend together; in doing this, we are sure of winning Zambia in Ndola on Sunday.

“I am always ready to lead the team since I took over the Eagles captaincy because I know the responsibility on my shoulder and I will never shy away from it,’’ he said.

Mikel said that he was eager to lead the Super Eagles to the World Cup, the way he led the Dream Team VI to the Rio 2016 Olympics.

Nigeria has won six of 16 previous matches with Zambia at international level, drawing five and losing five.

However, the Zambians have not beaten the Eagles in a competitive match in the past 31 years.

READ ALSO  NFF make U-turn, say "we never appointed Le Guen"

Nigeria defeated Zambia 5-4 on penalties to win a memorable Africa Cup of Nations final in Tunis in 1994.

The Eagles are expected to depart Abuja for Ndola on Saturday for the crunch tie against Zambia on Sunday.

The Eagles will host Algeria on Nov. 12 before four more games next year.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.