FIFA World Cup: Nobody Thought We Would Go To Russia – Mikel Speaks On Being Underdogs

John Mikel Obi

 

While speaking in an interview with BBC Sports, Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, said that World Cup-bound Nigeria are "more than happy with being written off." 

 

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been paired with Argentina for the 5th time in six World Cup appearances in Group D of the tournament in Russia. They will also face tough European pair, Croatia and Iceland in the group.

 

Ranked (47th) below all three Group D opponents in the Fifa world rankings, the West Africans have been tipped to struggle, a tag the team relishes.

 

The former Chelsea midfielder said; "Honestly, people didn’t expect us to qualify but we are off to Russia and now it’s all about the rankings.

"When you look at the group I’d say we are more than happy for people to write us off and very happy to be the underdogs.

"It takes the pressure off the shoulders of our young squad and we can go about our World Cup with humility, which is perfectly fine.