The Super Eagles midfielder has praised the work of the coach following their qualification for the last eight of the Afcon where they will now meet the Elephants

Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel has said that they have an opportunity of stamping their authority on the Africa Cup of Nations when they meet Cote D’Ivoire in Sunday’s quarter final match.

The Super Eagles defeated Ethiopia 2-0 courtesy of Victor Moses’ penalties late in the encounter on Tuesday night.

“It’s been great for us qualifying [for the tournament] because last time we didn’t make it. This time we’ve qualified and the group of players we have, and the new manager we have – he’s come into the team and made his stance. If you want to play for the country you have to give a hundred and ten percent, that’s what he demands from every player,” Mikel said at post-match press conference.

“We’ve come out here to do exactly what he wants us to do and to play for Nigeria as well. I think it is fantastic, we’re enjoying it.

“Now we’re in the quarter finals, we just have to keep going and do what we do in training and hopefully we will defeat Ivory Coast and go to the semi finals. It’s going to be difficult but hopefully we’ll make it.”

The Chelsea midfielder rated the game against the Ethiopians highly but that they knew what they were up against while preparing for the encounter.


“I think it was really tough, we knew they were coming into the game looking to win it as well. We knew they were going to be organised in the middle so we tried to make sure we didn’t play through the middle.

“They didn’t give me any space to play as well. Throughout the game I had one or two people running behind me. It was tough but sometimes I tried to get my space.

“It was difficult for both teams but this is what you demand [of yourself] when you come to a stage like this when you have to win to qualify,” said Mikel.

The Super Eagles will next take on the Elephants in a big West African duel in Sunday’s quarter final encounter in Rustenburg.

Source: Goal.com

Michael go n sit down. With that ragtag team?

Who is Mikel? Is it nt dat same CEO of Glo?
With no game plan, no tatics, no understdin... Na mouth dem dey use win, una com dey find penalty just to win Ethiopia... Just stat nw dey book ur flight ticket joooor... Leave competition for more prepared n serious ppl.

Yes! we can

I doubt it..

Moderators pls kindly move this to the appropriate section- jokes section I mean

Says the man who can't score to save his life

We are waiting to see how you and Ogude will cope with the amazing Toure Yaya,Tiote and Zokora in CIV midfield.
I have no doubt that Drogba will be caged by Kenneth Omeruo,my problem lies with Gervino running Echiejile down on our left back.
Our attack should be well organised in a 442 formation with Moses and Ideye on both flanks

Nigeria will win believe click like.

It will be possible if you, Mikel, will stop holding on to the ball for too long. Sometimes, he tries to make very unneccesary and complicated moves instead of just passing the ball to a free man. Make quick decisions.
Being the underdog could work in Eagles favour. I really want to know what the Ivorians think. They may be scared too. I quite sure they would have preffered Burkina Faso.

Obi...wetin u for talk b4,but I believe u can do it.

mikel,sit down there dey deceive ya self! not with this eagle.it is end of d road for eagle honestly!

this game can go any where.if Nigeria score first, it will distabilize ivorians and Nigeria can capitalize on that.remember it is African footfall.bone to bone. eleven against eleven.

Sure, very possible, if they can struggle against Togo, it's 100% possible that Nigeria can beat them. I take it as 50/50. go there and do u thing boys.

wit a dat stupid team

Deivid10: Who is Mikel? Is it nt dat same CEO of Glo?
With no game plan, no tatics, no understdin... Na mouth dem dey use win, una com dey find penalty just to win Ethiopia... Just stat nw dey book ur flight ticket joooor... Leave competition for more prepared n serious ppl.

guy why you con first open the thread

well.. you cannot blame him.. soon they will reach where their skills can carry them... home or final

honeric01:

“Now we’re in the quarter finals, we just have to keep going and do what we do in training and hopefully we will defeat Ivory Coast and go to the semi finals. It’s going to be difficult but hopefully we’ll make it.”

How many times I dey hear this hopefully? There is no sign of confidence sef.

Am ready to donate my nairaland id to charity if Naija wins

izenco2005: Nigeria will win believe click like.

Believe me, I clicked on "(Report)"

Yes we can! After all where's the defending champion?

Mikel u dey sure?

That should be one heck of a game that will tell us if eagle has arrived or not

SHARRAPPPPP!!!!!! Even on Xbox, Nigeria cannot beat Ivory Coast!
Stoooopid Otu! No just vex me o!

Meanwhile, Eboue has tweeted warning that they are going to eat Eagles like Fufu.. Then he said, sorry, make that Super Fried Chicken I believe Ivory Coast when they talk..

licensed2k: Moderators pls kindly move this to the appropriate section- jokes section I mean

Mikel we are behind your coach and your co players. We know they never believe in you guys but GOD will continue to shame them all.

This is competition involving 16 countries, same pressure apply to all player and nobody want to make mistake. Take it or leave one team always emerge victorious. Last edition who believe that Zambia will be crowned the champions?

Is better to start bad do well in future, than start well and fumble in future.

GOD bless Super Eagle, GOD bless Keshi and also GOD bless Naija

You sure?

See what one Ivory coast player tweeted at us. He said they'll eat us like fufu
http://gistville.com/2013/01/we-are-going-to-eat-nigeria-like-superfried-chickens-ivory-coast-player-eboue-tweets/

MIKEL GO PLAY FOR SHIT HOPE YOU DON LEARN FROM MOSES HOW TO PLAY PENALTY NA BA....BIG BOY FOOTBALL WEN YOU...

I believe!!!.. Remember Chelsea vs Bayern

I don't think so.

Now that Moses saved us
today,I hope we have a
david in the team,Our. Next
match is Against a Goliath!

Omerian Consult: Michael go n sit down. With that ragtag team?

Don't mind the guy who can't score a premiership goal. how on earth will Naija beat CIV? With Efe Ambrose who is CRAP? Echiejile who Gervinho will mess with? Ogude, Mba and Mikel against Yaya Toure, Tiote and Zokora? Not failing to mention KING DROGBA against inexperienced naija defence. Goodluck guys..