We were No 5 in 1994...Mikel wants victory over France to make a statement that Nigeria has arrived at the soccer map of the world.
Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel is hopeful that victory over France and a first World Cup quarter-final appearance can help unite the African nation currently gripped by violence and bloodshed.
Mikel, 27, said the troubles had made an impression on the squad but he pressed the need for his team mates to focus on Monday’s last 16 match against France and do their bit to bring people together. “I think football is what unites everyone back home in Nigeria, everyone loves football, and as long as we keep doing well and as long as we keep winning, I think this football alone can bring unity back to these various places where we are having problems.”
Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi also pressed the need to bring cheer to the strife hit fans of the Super Eagles, who are the first African country to get past the World Cup group phase on three separate occasions. Peppered with questions about a bonus pay dispute involving the squad and the Nigerian Football Association, Keshi, known as “Big Boss”, was clearly bemused by the interest in a problem he explained was over and said his team were “good to go”.
