Obi Mikel : I Know The Algerian Players In The Premier League Mahrez & Slimani

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday evening, Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has targeted a win in the national team's last 2018 World Cup qualifier against Algeria on Friday.

The former Chelsea star says he knows some of the players in the current Algerian squad, for example, Leicester City duo Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani.

''It is important to play this game, that is why we are here. We want to win, we will play to win so there's no difference from other games, we have to play the same way, we have to make sure we win the game and play better than the Algerians,'' Mikel told reporters present at the press conference.

''Of course, I know some of the players. I have played against them few times in the Premier League, Mahrez, Slimani, they are good players.

''But we are here to play, to win. We have to play tomorrow to win. I am sure the Algerian team want to win as well, they want to finish well, we want to finish well as well.

''We have already qualified but we are here to do our job and our job is to play well and win.''

Obi Mikel will win his 80th cap for Nigeria if selected to play at the Stade Mohamed Hamlaoui.

Igho Kingsley