“Nigeria always want to win AFCON” – Chelsea great Mikel gives surprise verdict on Flying Eagles vs Kenya

Former Chelsea and Nigeria midfield star John Obi Mikel has refused to fully back Nigeria’s Flying Eagles to deliver in their crucial U-20 Africa Cup of Nations group-stage clash against Kenya on Wednesday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Speaking in Nairobi ahead of the final Group B encounter, Mikel, who is in Kenya for a football clinic dubbed ‘Football Fiesta’, believes both teams have the talent to put on a show in Cairo.

Nigeria are the most successful nation in the history of the competition, with seven titles, two silver and four bronze medals.

While the Flying Eagles are meeting Kenya’s Rising Stars for the first time in the U20 AFCON, the former champions have never lost against East African opponents.

Chelsea great Mikel gives surprise verdict on Nigeria vs Kenya U20

Mikel admits Nigeria have the pedigree and talent to win on the day but insists Kenya will offer stiff opposition.

“In the Nigeria squad, we have a lot of talent. Kenya, I am sure they have a lot of talent as well. It is going to be a great game; it is going to be a good game to watch,” Mikel told Citizen Digital.

“For us in Nigeria, we always want to do well; we always want to win AFCON whenever we play in the tournament, so I am sure it is the same for Kenya as well. It will be a great game, and may the best team win.”

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Kenya’s Rising Stars are on the brink of elimination following defeats to Morocco (3-2) and Tunisia (3-1). To have any chance of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams, they must beat Nigeria at the 30 June Stadium.

Nigeria, who sit joint-top with Morocco on four points, need only a draw to advance. A win could see them top the group if Morocco drop points against Tunisia. The Flying Eagles remain the only side in Group B yet to concede but have managed just one goal in two games.

Mikel, a two-time Premier League winner with Chelsea, also spoke passionately about the importance of developing African football talent.

“I hope we continue to develop African football because African football is massive… it is what brings people together; when football is off, everything stops,” he said.

“We need to eat and drink football… As long as we continue to develop these young kids, trust me, I started like this, and nobody thought that one day I would be who I am. You can never take anything for granted, so these kids, one day, I hope to watch them on TV.”

The match — which is the first U-20 AFCON meeting between Nigeria and Kenya — kicks off at 4:00pm local time on Wednesday.

A tense battle is expected, with Nigeria’s solid defence up against Kenya’s lively attack, led by Lawrence Ouma who has scored in both games so far.