We are keen to finish what we started, says Mikel

Mikel John Obi-led Super Eagles arrived Yaounde on Sunday afternoon for Monday’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.

A statement by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) quoted Mikel as saying that the team was keen on consolidating on Friday’s 4-0 victory over Cameroon in Uyo.

Nigeria achieved its highest win ever over Cameroon with the thumping of the Lions on Friday, but Mikel said he was aware the wounded Lions would want to salvage some pride.

“We are just very keen to finish what we started. We started a job in Uyo and it is time to finish it,” he said.

“If we can pick the World Cup ticket by Monday, why wait any longer? We are all very confident because we know our ability and what we are ready to bring to the party.

“We are as hungry, perhaps, even more hungry than they are. It will be a tough affair but we will give our very best to take the three points.”

Nigeria could become the first African team to earn a slot in Russia as early as Tuesday.

The Eagles will qualify if they defeat the Cameroonians on Monday in Yaounde and Zambia fails to beat Algeria at the Stade Mustapha Tchaker in Blida on Tuesday.

Technical Adviser Gernot Rohr has 23 fit players to select from, with goalkeepers Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Dele Ajiboye and Dele Alampasu.

Also are defenders Uche Agbo, Abdullahi Shehu, Elderson Echiejile, Ola Aina, Leon Balogun, William Ekong, Tyronne Ebuehi and Chidozie Awaziem.

Midfielders Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, John Ogu, Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo and Mikel Agu, are also in contention for the game.

The forwards include Ahmed Musa, Victor Moses, Odion Ighalo, Moses Simon, Anthony Nwakaeme and Kelechi Iheanacho.

At the Hilton Hotel on Sunday to receive the Nigerian team was Cameroon’s Minister of Sport, Bidoung Mpaktt, who chatted briefly with NFF President Amaju Pinnick.

FIFA has appointed respected Senegalese official Bakary Papa Gassama as the referee for Monday’s encounter.

Gassama is to be assisted by Jean Claude Birumushahu from Burundi (Assistant 1), Marwa Aden Range from Kenya (Assistant 2) and Maudo Jallow from Gambia (Reserve Referee).

Osama Hassan from Sudan will be the match Commissioner at the game which will kick off at 6pm.