Chelsea Hail Leadership Skills Of Mikel, Nigerian Team After Sealing Quarter-Final Spot

Premier League club Chelsea were full of praise for the Nigeria U23s team, and Obi Mikel in particular, after they advanced to the knockout rounds of the Olympic Games on Monday morning.

The Blues hierarchy, including USA 1994 World Cup star Michael Emenalo, permitted the defensive midfielder to represent Nigeria in Rio despite the competition falling outside Fifa’s window for international matches.

“The 29-year-old influenced proceedings throughout a tense second half, when the experience of a player with a complete trophy cabinet in English football proved vital to reassure and reinvigorate a team of largely under-23s, ” Chelsea stated on their official webpage.

“Mikel and his team-mates displayed growing cohesion and confidence in comparison to their remarkable 5-4 win against Japan last Thursday, which took place only a few hours after the Nigeria squad touched down in Brazil following a logistical nightmare.”

Obi Mikel, 29, has started the first two matches played by Nigeria at the Olympic Games, logging 167 minutes.

Nigeria are guaranteed top spot in Group B after their 1-0 win over Sweden.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : chelseafc.com