By Daily Sports on June 14, 2017
Nigeria captain and midfielder John Obi Mikel has insisted that his absence did not cost his side against South Africa in Uyo on Saturday.
The Super Eagles suffered their maiden competitive defeat to Bafana Bafana when they lost 2-0 in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
Mikel, who plays for Tianjin Teda in the Chinese Super League, missed the encounter against South Africa due to an injury.
The former Chelsea star feels that the young Super Eagles team will learn from the defeat to the Southern African giants.
”Saying my absence cost the team is an insult to the talented players we have in the team," Mikel told Own Goal Nigeria.
"It could have happened even if I played, you never can’t tell. The players had a bad day and we will definitely bounce back with or without me.
”In football you mustn’t win all the time. We have a young squad who are very talented and the lesson learnt from the loss will make them better equipped for our remaining games in the World Cup and AFCON Qualifiers”.
*Photo shows Mikel Obi.
Source Daily Sports
Posted June 14, 2017
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