This is Mikel’s World Cup, Says Okocha

Ex-Nigeria international, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, expects Chelsea FC midfielder, John Obi Mikel, to use the 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil to establish himself as one of the country’s greats.

Okocha, regarded as Nigeria’s greatest footballer of his generation, said this at the launch of Super Eagles World Cup theme song at the Globacom Headquarters on Adeola Odeku Street in Victoria island, Lagos on Monday.

The former Bolton Wanderers of England skipper says Mikel must justify his place as one of the leading figures in the squad.

John Obi Mikel Has Been Named in Nigeria 30-Man Provisional World Cup Squad.
John Obi Mikel Has Been Named in Nigeria 30-Man Provisional World Cup Squad.

“This is the biggest opportunity for Mikel to seize control of the midfield and prove to Nigerians that he is capable of lifting into that role without questions. For me, this is Mikel’s World Cup,” Okocha, 40, who scored 14 goals in 75 international appearances, said.

“He did it very well at the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa and should be able to do better because the World Cup is a bigger stage.”

Okocha refused to be drawn into assessing coach Stephen Keshi’s 30-man provisional squad list for the tournament, but stressed the former Togo and Mali tactician should be allowed to do his job.

“I believe he is capable of getting good results for Nigeria in Brazil. Nigerians should allow him to do the job to his ability. The buck stops on his table and has the final say on who to take to the World Cup,” Okocha opines.