AFCON 2019: Mikel Obi breaks silence on return to Super Eagles squad

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AFCON 2019: Mikel Obi breaks silence on return to Super Eagles squad

Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, has said he is ready to lead the team again.

The free agent last played for Nigeria at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and has missed the team’s last seven matches.

However, Mikel Obi is in camp, ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt this month.

Speaking to reporters at the team’s base in Asaba, the midfielder expressed his delight at being part of the squad again.

He said: “I’m really happy to be back in the team and I’m happy with the progress made so far. I fitted in seamlessly because it was not a problem for me as I have great understanding of the team and the coach very well.

“I needed rest because I was struggling with injuries but now I’m ready to lead the team again.

The best team will win the AFCON and we are up for it as we are training twice a day.”

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AFCON 2019: Rohr reveals Super Eagles’ players reaction to Mikel Obi’s return

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AFCON 2019: Rohr reveals Super Eagles’ players reaction to Mikel Obi’s return

 

Head coach of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr, has claimed that the players were happy to have captain John Mikel Obi back in the squad.

Mikel Obi, who is currently without a club, has not featured for Nigeria since the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

However, the midfielder is in camp, ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations this month.

Describing Mikel Obi’s integration back into the team as “natural”, Rohr said “the players are happy to see him and he has been working very hard.”

Addressing reporters at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba on Tuesday evening, Rohr also expressed optimism that his players would do well at the 2019 AFCON, saying Nigerians can expect a fighting team.

“We have to be very fit because of high temperature in Egypt which is between 30 to 40 degrees centigrade and it will be difficult to recover. That is why we have to prepare very well.

“Our first match is against Burundi and we have to beat this team. We have in our group two teams who are newcomers because they have never been to the AFCON before.

“It is not going to be easy playing against them because they will have enthusiasm. Guinea also has a very good team.

“We have to come out of this group and try to be in the round of 16 and quarter finals. We have a lot of games to play and we are ready for that,” the German said.

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It Will Be Challenging To Captain Super Eagles In 2018 World Cup - Mikel Obi

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It Will Be Challenging To Captain Super Eagles In 2018 World Cup - Mikel Obi

“It is a daunting challenge and I’m looking forward to both teams (Tianjin TEDA and Nigeria) doing well, but now I’m totally focused with Tianjin TEDA.

“I am looking forward to Tianjin TEDA achieving good results in the Super League and I also hope that Nigeria can go farther and better in the World Cup.

“The Super League is much more difficult than I thought, but since I came to play in the Super League, they have such a strength as a foreign teams as well,” Mikel told sports.163.com.

Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi, has admitted that it will be a big challenge leading the three-time African champions at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Mikel, who is set to make his second appearance at the FIFA World Cup, will also skipper Tianjin TEDA in his second season in the Chinese Super League.

Source Daily Post

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