Mikel: We could have done more to qualify for AFCON

Super Eagles midfielder, John Obi Mikel, has blamed the team for not doing enough to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The 2015 edition of the competition is going on in Equatorial Guinea without the defending champions Nigeria who needed a win, by any margin, in their last qualifying game against South Africa to book a place in the finals but the team could only muster a 2-2 draw which proved costly.

Now Mikel said they could have done more in that game.

“We as players know we could have done more, and especially in the match against South Africa which we needed to win at home. But that is history now. We have learnt from it. We hope the authorities will also learn from it and we can get better,” he said.

“Of course it is painful. We all wanted to be at the biggest stage in Africa, especially as we are the holders. But we all know many factors contributed to our inability to qualify, and the less said about it the better.”

The 27-year-old, who is in his ninth season at Chelsea, will now have to focus on his career with the Blues till the AFCON ends in February.

“For now, my focus is back on my team, with an aim to win everything that comes,” he said.

“People are talking about the quadruple. Just like they put it in our minds that we might be able to go the whole season unbeaten. We didn’t want to be beaten.

“And yes, we are in the hunt for four trophies; and we know it won’t be easy. But we are working hard, and we know we are a successful side, so let’s see what we come up with in May.”