Former Super Eagles and Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi has revealed what the Nigerian players must avoid to ensure victory against Gabon in the World Cup play-offs, Soccernet.ng reports.
The three-time AFCON winners overturned a poor start to the World Cup qualifiers by sealing a play-off spot following their 4-0 win against Benin Republic last month.
Now, Eric Chelle has been tasked with defeating Gabon on Friday, while Cameroon and DR Congo battle it out in the other play-off.
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Mikel warns Super Eagles against complacency
Nigeria missed the 2022 World Cup after a poor display in the two-legged tie against Ghana, with an error from Francis Uzoho ultimately costing them a place in Qatar.
Mikel has made it clear that it’ll be devastating for the African giants to miss consecutive editions of the Mundial.
As thus, he’s sent a message to the team, stating that while Gabon might not be a household name, there’s no need for Nigeria to underrate their opponents.
“The first game is the most important. Gabon is the most important game,” the 38-year-old said on the Obi One Podcast.
“Don’t underestimate Gabon, please don’t, because if we do that, then we are in trouble.”
“Go into that game and play like this is the last game you will ever play in your life, win that game and then we can think about either Cameroon or someone else.”
“The mistake we are going to make is to think it’s just Gabon, then we are done completely.
“Go in the game, play as we should, with full confidence, bravery, and passion, knowing you are wearing the green white green, the badge of that green white green is huge.
“300 million people, that’s a lot of pressure, but you have to deal with it. I know they can do it and I believe in them,” the one-time UEFA Champions League winner concluded.
Nigeria will take on Gabon at the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan on Thursday, with kickoff slated for 5:00 PM WAT.