Mikel key to Eagles success in Brazil – Etim

Mikel

Ex-international Etim Esin says Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi can play a key role in Nigeria’s title pursuit at next year’s World Cup in Brazil.

Mikel has won the Premier League (2010), UEFA Champions League (2012), Europa League (2013), and boasts four FA Cup gold medals in his seven years at Stamford Bridge.

And Etim hopes the Super Eagles will benefit from the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner’s big-game experience at the World Cup.

“Mikel  has played against some of the players we are going to play against  at the World Cup and his experience will be crucial in our matches,” the former Nigeria attacking midfielder told our correspondent on the telephone during the week.

“He has been our best player and his standout performances helped us win the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa and earned a place at the World Cup.

“He’ll help motivate the younger players at the World Cup, especially against Argentina, who have world-class players such as   (Lionel) Messi and (Sergio) Aguero.

“Mikel has played against Barcelona with Messi, (Andres) Iniesta and Xavi  in their team.

“Some of our players might be scared to face them, but with Mikel directing them, they can do something.”

The ex-AA Gent and Lokeren star is also backing on-loan Liverpool forward Victor Moses and Fenerbahce striker Emmanuel Emenike to show their class in Brazil.

He said, “They proved themselves in the friendly match against Italy (in London on November 18) and I believe they will perform at the World Cup.

“I think our players have gained confidence from the 2-2 draw (with Italy) and that will help when we play Argentina and other top teams at the World Cup.

“There are other good players in the Eagles and I believe we might spring a surprise on the world at the tournament. With determination we can become the first African team to reach the semifinals.

“We are African champions and we’ll be under pressure to give the continent a good outing at the competition.

“But we must strengthen the team with some experienced players because playing in the World Cup is different from playing at  the Africa Cup of Nations.

“Stephen Keshi should only name  players who can deliver in our squad for the World Cup.

“He is the coach and we should allow him  have a free hand when selecting his players for the tournament. We can only suggest and not put him under pressure to pick a particular player.”

Etim, who believes  the Eagles  won’t have much problems to qualify for the second round of Brazil 2014, warned the team not to underestimate Iran, Bosnia-Herzegovina, who are drawn alongside Nigeria and Argentina in Group F.

 He said, “It’s a favourable group, no doubt but we must not  focus on Argentina and forget about Iran and Bosnia-Herzegovina. We should go for victory in our three games.”