It Is A Do-Or-Die Affair – Mikel Obi Speaks Of World Cup Qualification

It Is A Do-Or-Die Affair – Mikel Obi Speaks Of World Cup Qualification

The eagerly anticipated Nigeria v Cameroon World Cup qualification double-header has been described as a do or die affair by Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi as stars hit camp in Uyo.

Nigeria host their fierce rivals, the Indomitable Lions at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday, before travelling to Yaounde for the quickfire reverse fixture on Monday.

Returning to the squad after a 10-month injury layoff, Mikel said while it’s a tough tie gainst the African champions, he expects the Eagles to soar on match day, Punch writes.

“These three points will go a long way in our qualifying campaign. We have got a very good team.  We have got a very young team with a lot of quality,” Mikel said Tuesday.

“We are on top of the table on six points and we want to win. Cameroon also want to win, so it’s really going to be a do-or-die affair. We are looking forward to the game and we want to make sure we qualify and hopefully we will do that. We need to make sure we qualify first. There is a big task ahead of us”

Meanwhile, Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has expressed contentment over the commitment of his players ahead of the clash but admits that he has an arduous task selecting his starting XI.

“It is a big match and we are fully focused and committed. The players know what it means; they need little or no reminding of how important this match is. I am happy we have almost the full house now and can concentrate on our tactics for the game,” Rohr stated.

“We had all the players in for our first training. It was a good training, everybody was fit, no injuries and now it will be difficult for me to choose the starting XI because everybody wants to play.

“But hopefully after tomorrow’s (Wednesday) training, which will be closed to journalists, I will have in my mind the team to start this important game against Cameroon.”

The Eagles lead Group B of the African qualifiers after picking up a maximum six points from their first two games while second-place Lions have two points.