Nigeria will qualify for 2018 Fifa World Cup – Mikel

The midfielder has said that the three-time African champions are motivated to qualify for the World Cup after missing out of the African Cup of Nations in Gabon

John Obi Mikel has insisted that Nigeria cannot afford to miss the 2018 Fifa World Cup following their following their failure to reach the 2017 African Cup of Nations in Gabon.

The Super Eagles will host Algeria at the Godswill Akpabio stadium on Saturday, and the captain of the team believes that the unity in the team will help them conquer the Greens when both sides clash this weekend in Uyo.

“Missing out on the 2017 Cup of Nations in Gabon means there is an extra motivation to win our group and go to Russia,” Mikel told media.

“Everybody knows Algeria have great players, but we also have really good footballers and a family-like atmosphere within the squad.

The Chelsea midfielder also disclosed that the team is enjoying the mixture of old and young generations of players, who are hungry and ready to establish themselves in the squad.

“It is nice to play with young footballers who are hungry and want to establish themselves as first choices.

“I am reminded of my early days in the national team, playing beside stars like Jay-Jay Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu. It was a great pleasure playing with them.

“It is the same with guys like Alex and Kelechi. We enjoy representing our country, creating scoring opportunities and following the instructions of the coach.”