Super Eagles Captain Mikel : If We Continue Playing This Way, We Can Beat Anybody In Africa

Tianjin Teda midfielder John Obi Mikel has reacted to Nigeria's 4-0 thrashing of African champions Cameroon in a World Cup qualifier staged at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Friday evening.

The former Chelsea star has promised that Nigeria will make it to the 2018 World Cup and the next African Cup of Nations, adding that he will continue to inspire the young players in the squad.

''We have a very young team, obviously I have been here for a long time and now I am the captain of the team. I feel I have responsibility every time I step on the pitch to play,'' Mikel said at the post-match press conference attended by allnigeriasoccer.com.

''This team needs experience, this team needs guidance. The players are very good players, quick players.

''Sometimes they need someone they listen to, someone who can direct them to make sure we have balance and know exactly what we are doing and that's what we did today.''

Mikel added : ''I will do my best, I will carry this team same way I did in the Olympics.

''I want to make sure we go the World Cup and also qualify for the Nations Cup. If we continue playing this way, I think we can beat anybody in Africa.''

Nigeria, who have a hundred percent record in the World Cup qualifiers, will face Cameroon in the return leg in Yaounde on Monday, September 4.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel