World Cup isn’t so special without the Super Eagles, says John Obi Mikel

Former Nigeria midfielder John Obi-Mikel has stated that the ongoing World Cup isn’t special without the Super Eagles.

Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup after losing to Ghana on away goal rule during the Playoffs.

The former Lyn Oslo midfielder participated in two FIFA World Cups before he retired from international football.

“I think the World Cup without Nigeria is not really a World Cup, it’s not really special,” Mikel said.

During his appearance at the Vyootopia Mission 89 Africa digital sports conference 2022 on Thursday, the former Chelsea superstar was the personality spotlight at the colourful event held at Wave Beach in Lagos.

Mikel who wants Morocco or Argentina to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup because of Lionel Messi, says there is nothing special since the Super Eagles are not in Qatar, while the 2022 edition has been amazing.

“We should be there (in Qatar), we should have been there. But I think it has been an amazing tournament so far. No matter all the political things going on, I think we need to talk about football. It has been great and amazing. There have been surprises and shocking results, which is something we like and want.”

Mikel added that should the Atlas Lions fail he wants to see Argentina take come the coveted crown because of Lionel Messi.

“I want an African team to win it, so, right now I am rooting for Morocco. But if Morocco doesn’t win, I hope Argentina wins because of Messi.”

Morocco is the only African representative at the 2022 FIFA World after Ghana, Tunisia, and Cameroon crashed out at the group stage. Senegal made it to the Round of 16 before a 3-0 defeat to England ensured that the Teranga Lions won’t take any part at the global football Mundial.

Morocco will face Portugal in the quarter-final on Saturday with a sight on the semi-final which will make the North African side the first African team to make it to the last four.