Nigerian Coach Puts Ex-Chelsea Ace Mikel On The Same Level As Croatia's Real Madrid & Barca Stars

Former Nigeria coach Samson Siasia is of the opinion that the most famous Super Eagles player John Obi Mikel is on the same level as the two main stars on the Croatia national team, Real Madrid ace Lukas Modric and Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic.

Nigeria will face off with Croatia in both countries World Cup opener at Kaliningrad Stadium, Kaliningrad on June 16, before tackling Iceland and Argentina.

''Mikel is in the same quality with Modric and Rakitic, even though Modric plays in Real Madrid, '' Siasia told goal.com.

''Mikel has played in Chelsea for many years and he is doing well in the Chinese Super League. I think they will fight for that position on the field of play.''

Siasia has told the Super Eagles players not to get carried away by their 4-2 win over Argentina last November, and has highlighted that several key players in the squad are struggling for game time at their respective clubs.

''They've done well but the problem is that most of our players are not playing in the big leagues and they don't get enough playing time, the World Cup is not where to do physical activities.

''They need to play friendly games and make sure they understand themselves. The match against Argentina should not be a yardstick though we did very well and we were all surprised,'' added Siasia.

Samson Siasia appeared in three matches for the Super Eagles at the 1994 World Cup, and was on target in their 2-1 loss to Argentina at Foxboro Stadium, Boston.

Igho Kingsley