As the countdown to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia gets closer, Nigeria’s senior male national team, the Super Eagles have been in camp training hard for the tournament. In this exclusive interview with BusinessDay Sports Editor, Anthony Nlebem at the Le Meridien Ogeyi Place in the Garden City of Port Harcourt, Super Eagles skipper, John Mikel Obi, speaks of how prepared and motivated the Super Eagles are and his partnership with Kwese TV. Excerpts:
What are your expectations at this year’s FIFA World Cup in Russia?
We as a team, the Super Eagles are ready to take on the World, not just to be in Russia to participate at the World Cup, we want to win the world Cup for Nigeria.
You grew up as Michael, why Mikel?
The story of the name started at the U17 FIFA World tournament, my name was spelt wrongly and I had a wonderful tournament, I spoke to my dad about it, but he said why not keep the name since you had an amazing tournament, so since then, the name has been there and I don’t see the need to change it.
If Nigeria get to play Russia at the World Cup, how will your girlfriend feel?
For my girlfriend, she is happy that we are going to Russia; obviously the kids will be there also. It gives me extra motivation to make sure I do well in this tournament. Family is always important and she has supported me in every step of my career. I want to do it for Nigeria and for my family. It’s important for me to lead Nigeria to success and I know we can achieve together, not just me, but we need to play together as a team and by doing that we will achieve a lot.
What can you say about the quality of players Nigeria is taking to the World Cup?
People are saying how young this team is, but I think the team has what it takes to perform well at the World Cup. These are the same crop of players that booked the World Cup ticket for Nigeria in the qualifying series and I don’t see the reason why we have to change the team now. We have to stick with what we believe.
Do you think Nigeria has the quality of stars to win the World Cup in Russia?
One thing I know is that these players are hungry for success; they want to succeed and make a name for themselves. You can see in their eyes that they are ready. They know a lot of people doubt the experience of the team. That has given the players extra motivation to do well in Russia.
As the captain of the team, my role is to make sure I bring my experience and calmness to the team.
There will be difficult times in this tournament; you need a figure that the players can listen to and bring the team together and this is where I come in.
Looking at Nigeria’s Group with Croatia, Iceland and Argentina, which team will give Nigeria a tough fight in the Group?
Everybody believes Argentina will give us the toughest fight, but I believe it is Iceland. They are top teams, but I think we should watch out for Iceland.
Having played at the Premier League and the Chinese Super League, do you see the Chinese Super League overtaking the English Premier League, Spanish LaLiga in future?
It will be difficult the Chinese Super League to overtake top clubs in Europe, but to be among the top leagues is possible. The Chinese Super League has been spending big money bringing top players to play in the league. They are not just signing old players, but younger players are joining the league. The game in China is improving and growing faster and very soon the Chinese League will be up there for sure.
Tell us more about your partnership with Kwese?
This is an exciting time, am happy that this partnership came at the right time during the FIFA World Cup.
I want to share my story at the FIFA World Cup 2018 with Kwese TV. Obviously, the reason is to announce the amazing partnership between me and Kwese TV. This a massive deal for me and also for Kwese TV and I am ready to give all I have into this project to help Kwese TV take over Africa, hopefully we will achieve this together.
Having played in all FIFA tournaments, what advice do you have for the upcoming players, especially on transfer issues?
Yes, I have played so many FIFA tournaments, but there is one I want to win and the World Cup is my priority and with team spirit we can achieve it together. To the upcoming player who wants to get to their top, I always say to people don’t try to be someone else, be who you are, work hard and be disciplined. This is what got me here; I have always been a disciplined and hardworking player, I might not be the most talented, gifted technical player, but I have always put in hardwork to make sure I get to where I am. Discipline and humility are important to achieve greatness.
