Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel says he is not worried about the prospect of potentially encountering racism in Russia at the FIFA World Cup.
FIFA fined the Russian Football Union £22,000 after France internationals Paul Pogba and Ousmane Dembele were subjected to racist abuse during a March friendly against the World Cup hosts in St Petersburg.
Speaking to the reporters in today’s Press Conference ahead of the Croatia game, Mikel said:
“No, I think everyone has been really nice,” the former Chelsea midfielder told reporters. “In the hotel, in the camp, everywhere has been amazing.
“The Russian people have been really nice to us. A lot of Russians support the Nigerian team, I don’t know why, maybe because my girlfriend is Russian.
“This place feels like home for us. The support can help us.”
Super Eagles open their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Group D on Saturday, with Mikel shrugging off concerns he or team-mates could face abuse during matches.
COMMENTS