Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has called on the Nigeria national team to eliminate all distractions and focus fully on what he described as their toughest test yet at the African Cup of Nations. The quarterfinals will be against Algeria.
Against the backdrop of reports over unpaid bonuses, Mikel stressed that mentality, focus and preparation will be decisive against a dangerous Algerian side who he believes has quality, aggression and strong group play.
“We have to be at the top of our game” – Mikel Obi
The Super Eagles were recently reported to have staged protests over unpaid bonuses, which led to them initially refusing to travel to Marrakech for the quarter-finals.
With assurances from the NFF and NSC that all outstanding payments would be cleared, the conflict was eventually resolved and the team was able to depart one day later than scheduled.
However, Mikel made it clear that Nigeria cannot afford any lapse in concentration if they are to defeat the North African giants.
“We have to win the next game. We have to make sure we progress and move in the right direction,” Mikel said.
“The match against Algeria will be a very difficult match. I watched them play several times and they are a very good team, very attacking and have quality players.”
“So we have to play our best game and go to the game the right way.”
The former Chelsea midfielder said the quarter-finals will be even more difficult and will require absolute dedication from the players.
“No negativity” – Mikel Obi calls for calm
Referring to the recent bonus controversy, Mikel called on the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to ensure that all outstanding issues are resolved before kick-off to avoid creating a negative atmosphere in the camp.
“There should be no obstacles or negativity. If there are, we have to resolve them,” he said.
“Are the players being paid bonuses? Whatever was promised must be resolved before this game.”
“There should be no negative atmosphere around the camp.”
Mikel echoed Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo, who clarified that the players had no intention of boycotting the match, but were simply asking for a promise to be fulfilled.
Read more: ‘They were never on strike’ – Ighalo explains Super Eagles’ AFCON bonus saga
Read more: “I’ll pay” – Captain Ndidi takes responsibility as Super Eagles camp faces bonus row
Read more: Breaking news: Super Eagles boycott tour and training ahead of match against Algeria due to non-payment of bonuses
Despite the distraction, Mikel strongly believes the team has the ability to challenge for the title given the right circumstances.
“I believe we can go all the way and win the championship,” he said.
Mikel Obi was the driving force behind Nigeria’s last continental title, the 2013 AFCON victory, while Odion Ighalo was famously the top scorer at the 2019 AFCON.
