Mikel Urges Super Eagles to Focus on Victory Against Gabon
Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has called on Nigeria’s players to put aside their frustrations and give their full focus to Thursday’s decisive World Cup playoff clash against Gabon in Rabat, Morocco.
The former Chelsea midfielder made the appeal as Nigeria prepare for one of their most crucial matches in recent years — a game that could determine their path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mikel, a 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner, acknowledged the players’ grievances over unpaid bonuses but urged them to channel their emotions into producing a strong performance on the pitch.
He emphasised that while issues of corruption and mismanagement in football administration must be addressed, now is the time for unity and commitment.
“The corruption has to be rooted out of the game if we want to go forward,” Mikel said. “But now is not the best time to discuss those. Now is the time to focus on the game against Gabon in the FIFA World Cup qualifying playoffs to get to the next round.”
Calling the tie “the biggest game of the nation’s life,” Mikel encouraged both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the players to work together in harmony for the sake of national pride.
“It is a difficult task for us. It is a mountain to climb and we have to make sure we are ready,” he said. “Whatever the NFF have to do to make the players feel comfortable to perform and give their best for the country, they have to do that right now.”
The 36-year-old, who represented Nigeria at two World Cups, also praised striker Victor Osimhen, describing him as one of the best forwards in the world. However, he cautioned against relying solely on the Galatasaray man.
“We have one of the best strikers in the world right now — he is absolutely on fire. But it is not just him. The whole team has to perform. Don’t depend on Victor Osimhen alone. Find the motivation in you knowing that this is the biggest game of the nation’s life,” Mikel said.
He ended with a passionate message to the players and fans: “We have to qualify for the World Cup. There is no two ways about it.”
Nigeria face Gabon in the first of two knockout rounds that will decide Africa’s representative in the intercontinental playoffs next March. The winners will meet either Cameroon or DR Congo for a place in the final playoff round.
