Mikel Reveals One Advantage Super Eagles Have Over Other Africa Cup Of Nations Teams

Published: June 06, 2019

John Obi Mikel believes the Super Eagles have an advantage over other teams at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations as most of the players in camp are in tip-top contention.

The former Chelsea midfielder pointed out that the Super Eagles won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa because they were well drilled before the start of the tournament.

Asked at Thursday's press conference what gives Super Eagles the edge over other teams, Mikel said : ''Well, I think obviously fitness is going to play a big part in this tournament, it always does when it comes to African football, fitness always plays 80 percent part in who wins the tournament.

''If you look back at 2013 when we won it, we were one of the fittest teams, we were well drilled, we put in the hard work during the camp, we knew exactly what we were doing. We were really fit.

''That's what we are doing now, training twice a day. If you want to win this trophy you have to do things like that.

''I am happy that every player in this team want to do it, we want to achieve the same thing, we want to be in the finals and win the tournament but we also need to know we are not the outright favorite, we have to remain cool, calm, just do what we have to do, not look at other teams.

''If we do that, we'll keep winning games. Experience also plays a big part, sometimes youthfulness also plays a big part.

''We have got a very good mixture in this team that's going to help us. We have a very young team, they are all fit''.

Mikel will play his 21st game at the Africa Cup of Nations if he is selected in the squad for Nigeria's opener against Burundi on June 22.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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