Interviewed by journalists at the Vitoria Hotel Concept shortly after the squad arrived from the game with Argentina, Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel says he is convinced that the Super Eagles will put up a good performance against France.

Nigeria advanced to the last 16 of the World Cup for the third time in five attempts, despite the  2 - 3 loss to Argentina after nearest challengers Iran failed to get the desired result against Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

“We are very happy and now we will see how the next phase. We played very well against Argentina and and we are happy for that.

“Our thinking is positive, already thinking about the next match,”  John Obi Mikel told reporters.

Five years ago, Nigeria defeated France 1 - 0 in the first international game between both countries, thanks to a 32nd minute goal by Werder Bremen striker Joseph Akpala, who is not featuring in this tournament.