Mikel Obi Warns Super Eagles Against Complacency Ahead of Gabon Clash
Former Super Eagles and Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi has urged Nigeria’s players to take their World Cup play-off match against Gabon seriously, warning against complacency.
Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, the 38-year-old stressed that while Gabon may not be a household name, underestimating them could be costly.
“The first game is the most important. Gabon is the most important game,” Mikel said. “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.”
Mikel reminded the team of the pressure that comes with representing Nigeria, saying: “The mistake we are going to make is to think it’s just Gabon, then we are done completely. Play with full confidence, bravery, and passion, knowing you are wearing the green-white-green. Three hundred 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.”
Nigeria secured their play-off spot after a 4–0 win over Benin Republic last month, overturning a poor start to the World Cup qualifiers. Coach Eric Chelle now faces the task of guiding the Super Eagles past Gabon on Thursday at the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan, with kick-off at 5:00 PM WAT.
Mikel warned that missing consecutive World Cups, as happened in 2022, would be devastating for Nigerian football, highlighting the importance of focus and discipline in the upcoming matches.
