By; Patrick Titus, Uyo.
Super Eagles Captain, Obi Mikel said he will not allow his present predicament in Chelsea to affect his spirit for tomorrow’s World Cup qualifying match against Algeria because a win boost the team’s chance of getting the ticket from the group.
Mikel who spoke Thursdaday at a press conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, also assured that although there have been some cases of injury in the team, it would not affect the team, pointing out their that Algerian counterpart also has few cases of injuries on their part.
Nigeria Super Eagles are emotionally and physically ready to slough it out with Algeria Desert Foxes at the Nest of Champion Stadium in Uyo on Saturday. Captain Mikel assured that the team would secure the three points at stake, adding, “Though it might not be easy but it is a possibility and necessity”.
The Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr on his part has said he would build the tomorrow’s team around the captain, Mikel Obi, despite not featuring currently for his Chelsea club in Europe.
The coach who responded to questions bothering on Mikel predicament in his club side said, Mikel is in good shape and he is fit for the match.
Rohr blamed Mikel’s woes in Chelsea on his outing for the Nigerian Dream Team at the last Olympics in Brazil where the team won bronze medal.
“Mikel is currently being punished in his club side, Chelsea, because of his last outing for the Nigerian Dream Team at the last Olympics in Brazil where the team won bronze medal. He has not been featured for the team under the new coach, Conte, since then. But I will still build the Super Eagles’s team playing in tomorrow’s World Cup qualifying match against the Desert Foxes of Algeria around him because he is in good shape and fit for the match. Besides, Mikel is committed to the national team and he is a source of motivation to the other players,” Rohr said.
He said although the Algerian team is a good side, the Super Eagles is in good spirit to defeat them and will do all they can to defeat them.
The coach urged all and sundry to pray and support the Super Eagles and cheer them to victory because winning a team like Algeria requires the support and collaboration of all and not only the players.
