Super Eagles central midfielder, John Ogu, is confident that the team will cope with the absence of their influential captain, Mikel Obi when they face the Pirates of Seychelles in the 2019 African Cup of Nations qualifier on Saturday at the Linite Stadium in Victoria.
Ogu, a member of the Nigeria squad to the 2018 FIFA World Cup, expressed that the team will miss Mikel who is out due to injury but assures Nigerians that they will come back with victory.
The Hapoel Beer Sheva midfielder admits that the game is a must win for the team having lost their opening tie to South Africa in Uyo 14 months ago.
“It’s a huge blow if the captain (Mikel) of the team isn’t available for such a crucial match, but we have players capable of filling the void,” the 30 year old told reporters in the team’s Savoy Hotel Resort and Spa in Victoria.
“We lost our first game so it’s imperative to win on Saturday to brighten our chances.”
“We are looking forward to the match as our opponents are relatively unknown. The fear of the unknown is what will motivate us to victory.”
The 30 year old who is also looking forward to his 20th cap for the Super Eagles notes that a massive win will be the icing on the cake for him.
Ogu made his debut for Nigeria on March 23, 2013 coming on for Victor Moses in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Kenya in Calabar.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
