'Don't underestimate Gabon, please don't' - Mikel makes passionate appeal to Super Eagles

Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel, has issued a warning to Nigeria's senior national team ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers playoffs against Gabon on Thursday. 

Speaking on The Obi One Podcast Channel, Mikel described the tie as the most important fixture for the Super Eagles in the qualification series, urging the players to take the Panthers seriously and avoid complacency.

"The first game is the most important game. Gabon is the most important game," Mikel said. 

"Don't underestimate Gabon, please don't because if we do that then we are in trouble."

"Go into that game and play like this is the last game you will ever play in your life, win that game and then we can think about either Cameroon or someone else."

The former Nigeria skipper cautioned that overlooking the Panthers could prove costly, emphasizing the need for total commitment and focus.

"The mistake we are going to make is to think it's just Gabon, then we are done completely," he warned.

Mikel also called on the players to play with belief, courage, and national pride, reminding them of the significance of representing the country.

"Go in the game, play as we should, with full of confidence, bravery, and passion knowing you are wearing the green white green, the badge of that green white green is huge," he said.

While acknowledging the immense pressure on the squad, Mikel expressed confidence that the team can rise to the occasion.

"300 million people that's a lot of pressure but you have to deal with it. I know they can do it and I believe in them," he added.  

The Super Eagles began their preparation for the decisive clash on Monday afternoon in Rabat, Morocco, where they held their first training session at the Rive Hotel training ground.

A victory against Gabon will see Nigeria advance to the final round of the playoffs, where they could face either DR Congo or Cameroon for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Adeyemi Adewale

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