Super Eagles’ skipper John Mikel Obi, believes a united, focused team and a supportive Nigeria Football Federation will guarantee the two-time African champions a place at the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals.
The Chelsea midfield ace opined that team solidarity and the maturity of the technical crew have forged a new spirit in camp and that the victory over Zambia at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Sunday has propelled the Super Eagles to the top of the so-called “Group of Death” is the beginning of great things to come.
“I have belief that we can reach new heights with this team.
“The boys are so committed that it makes you happy.
“The coaching crew is made up of very matured and brilliant people who respect the players.
“We are onto a good thing.”
Nigeria won a competitive away game for the first time in 23 months as Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho scored before Collins Mbesuma pulled one back in the Zambian Copperbelt capital.
Manchester City of England prodigy Iheanacho has now scored in each of his last four matches for Nigeria: against Mali in France, Luxembourg in Luxembourg City, Tanzania in Uyo and Zambia in Ndola.
A convivial atmosphere prevailed inside the aircraft during the four hours and 22 minutes flight back to Abuja and the celebration mood heightened seconds after landing as players, team officials and other officials learnt that Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions had forced Algeria to a 1-1 draw in the other match of Group B in Blida.
Obi said: “We have a very good chance to qualify for the World Cup if we keep our heads and play at our best level. Each and every one of us is determined to go to the World Cup. Now that we are top of the table, we have to remain there.”
The Zambians had hoped to get Nigeria’s Europe-based contingent rendered weak and dehydrated with an early afternoon start (2.30pm), but the Eagles approached the match in a matured manner, not engaging in too much running in the first half-hour and then taking their chances without blinking.
At Saturday’s match coordination meeting, the NFF had requested for water break periods in view of the early start and the Match Commissioner, Alhaji Nuru Deen Jawula, from Ghana, said he would think about it.
Eventually, it was not that necessary as the Eagles coped well and thwarted the Chipolopolo in front of their fans.
A friend who works with the Football Association of Zambia informed that 50,000 spectators must have squeezed into the 43,000-capacity Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. And with President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, said to be a great fan of Obi and Assistant Captain Ahmed Musa, arriving a full hour before kick off, the arena vibrated endlessly.
The Super Eagles’ next game is against the Fennecs of Algeria at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on November 12.
Follow The Eagle Online Channel on WhatsApp
