Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel is confident that the Super Eagles will qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals this week when they host Zambia’s Chipolopolo in a World Cup qualification Group B match in Uyo on Saturday, October 7.
A victory for current Group B leaders Nigeria will see them win the group and qualify for the finals which will be hosted by Russia next year.
Mikel, who currently plies his trade in China for Tianjin TEDA, praised second-placed Chipolopolo, but he believes that the Super Eagles deserve to qualify.
The former Chelsea FC central midfielder was speaking to the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) official website.
“I must admit that I applaud the resurgence of the Zambians this late in the qualifiers. Beating Algeria home and away is no mean feat,” he said.
“We will take them very serious because they clearly have a new spirit.
It is time we wrap this up,” he continued. “We have all shown professionalism, dedication and determination to be at the pole position in a group tagged ‘Group of Death’.
“Commendations must go to the entire team and the Coach, but we must finish it up in Uyo and secure our ticket right there.”
COMMENTS