Expect better Eagles against Bosnia – Mikel
Super Eagles midfielder, John Obi Mikel insists that Monday’s draw with Iran is a “good result” for the Super Eagles.
The Super Eagles struggled to break down a well-organized Team Melli side and must now pick up creditable results in their final two group games against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Argentina to stand any chance of reaching the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup.
Mikel however believes the 0-0 draw against Iran is not a bad result.
“We are not under pressure. Winning the first game in every tournament counts. We didn’t get that. We got a good result even though winning would have been perfect,” Mikel said.
BRAZIL, Campinas : Nigeria’s team members jog during a training session in Campinas, Sao Paulo, on June 18, 2014, during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. AFP PHOTO
BRAZIL, Campinas : Nigeria’s team members jog during a training session in Campinas, Sao Paulo, on June 18, 2014, during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. AFP PHOTO
The midfielder then predicted an open game when the African champions face Bosnia-Herzegovina in their second game at the ongoing Fifa World Cup finals in Brazil.
The Super Eagles drew 0-0 with Iran in their opening game of the tournament despite enjoying 72 per cent of the possession at Estádio Joaquim Américo Guimarães, Curitiba on Monday.
Mikel believes Bosnia will play less conservatively than Iran and insists that a strong performance is required by the Super Eagles if victory is to be achieved.
“Bosnia will attack more than Iran did (on Monday). They will play a more open game and hopefully we will find more spaces to cause them problems,” he said.
A defeat could ultimately end the Super Eagles’ chances of further progress in the competition but Mikel insists the team will not bow out in tame fashion.
“Nigerians must keep praying for us and believe because it’s not over yet.
“The first game is always important and it’s a pity we could only draw against Iran but we have to approach the second game against Bosnia with all seriousness.
“The game against Iran was complicated. They are a very difficult team that just came out to defend.
“They didn’t give us any space to play and made it very difficult for us. They always had 11 men behind the ball and it was really difficult for us because we couldn’t create much chances as we wanted,” he said.
Nigeria’s game against Bosnia will hold at the Arena Pantana, Cuiabá on Saturday.
