Nigeria Vs Croatia: Mikel Banks On Youthful Super Eagles

FRANCIS ACHI/Kaliningrad

As the Super Eagles file out against Croatia this Saturday in their Russia 2018 FIFA opening game in Group D in Kaliningrad, Mikel Obi, the captain of the side has said that the youthfulness of the team will be a key factor in the game against Croatia.

Having admitted that the game will be very difficult especially in the midfield battle against the Croatians, Mikel is of the firm opinion that the energy of the youthful Nigerian players will work in the favour of the team, stressing that the Super Eagles will be dominant in the midfield.

” We know that the team will be playing against a good side. Croatia has experience players in their midfield and they are very good, but the Super Eagles will keenly contest for the ball. We know the Croatians love to have the ball and play with the ball. That is the same way Nigeria love to play, ” Mikel said.

“We want to have the ball and we know that the youthfulness of the players on our side will be very useful in the game . We want to play well and get a good result that Nigerians back home want for the team.

” Nigerians wants the team to win every game . We know that winning every game is not possible in football, but we will play our game to the best of our strength,” he added.

The former Chelsea of England midfielder said that the players are in high spirit and ready to showcase their ability on the biggest stage of world football despite having more players who are making their debut at the World Cup.

” We know that the team are made up of players who are making their first appearance at the World Cup and the tournament gives the players opportunity to tell the world how good they are representing their country and also another way to move their carer forward, ” he said.

The game between Nigeria and Croatia will mark the first time both countries will play each other in a competitive fixture.