Mikel, Ikeme shift focus to 2018 W/Cup qualifier

Carl Ikeme and Mikel John Obi say their focus is now on Nigeria’s 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Zambia in Ndola on October 3.

Both players featured in their country’s final 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualification game against Tanzania at the Nest of Champions on Saturday which they won by a goal, but now “look forward” to the start of the qualification for the World Cup in Russia.

Mikel, 29, calls on the country “to stick together” for the coming World Cup qualifiers which will see them face Algeria, Cameroon and Zambia.

The Nigeria captain also took time to speak on their performance against Tanzania and explained that their lack of cutting edge in the final third against the Taifa Stars was down to “a couple of reasons”.

“I appreciate the support we got here. On behalf of the team, we are thankful for that. We played really well though we created lots of chances. We couldn’t score more than one for a couple of reasons. Now we need to stick together and we want the same kind of support we got here and do well for the World Cup qualifiers which is very important now,” said Mikel.

“I hope the next time we come back here we will have many more victories here.”

Wolverhampton Wanderers stopper, Ikeme, also buttressed the role played by the 12th man at the Uyo stadium in their win over Tanzania with his eyes now fixed on the coming World Cup qualifiers.