Nigeria’s Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel is ready to sacrifice his role for the team’s progression in the 2018 Russia World.
Mikel’s lackluster performance in his “new” role as an attacking midfielder was roundly criticized following Saturday’s 2-0 to Croatia in Group D.
The team returns to action today in Volgograd to try and salvage their campaign against debutants and surprise package Iceland and Mikel, who made a name as a holding midfielder is willing to do anything for the team to bounce back.
“I’m the captain of this team. If I have to sacrifice for the team to progress, I will,” the 31-year-old former Chelsea man said.
The China-based added, “If I have to sacrifice a position, go play wherever, will do that for this team to win games.”
Nigeria’s German manager Gornot Rohr on the other hand appeared to pour cold water on the raging debate saying he qualified the team to the Mundial with Mikel playing in the offensive role and nobody complained.
“We won all our games in Nigeria in the last two years with Mikel playing in the offensive position.
“Remember we beat Cameroon 4-0 in the qualifiers with exactly the same arrangement, but I understand people are looking for reasons,” Rohr said.
The three times African champions were handed a lifeline after fancied Argentina lost 3-0 to Group D leaders Croatia Thursday.
This means a win for the Super Eagles over the Icelanders, who held Argentina to a 1-1 draw previously, will take them second in the standings ahead of their final group match against the Argentines on Tuesday, 26th June.
