Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel is hoping that the Super Eagles advance to the knockout rounds of the 2018 World Cup.

The Super Eagles captain is set to play in his second World Cup but must return to China immediately after the tournament unlike his counterparts in Europe as the Chinese Super League will resume in July after a two-month break.

''It will be a daunting challenge and I'm looking forward to both teams doing well, but now I'm totally in Tianjin Teda,'' Mikel was quoted as saying by Netease Sports.

''It will be a long year for me. Now I have all my energy in Tianjin Teda for the new season, I'll wait until after the start of the World Cup, I will transfer the same to the Nigerian team....

''This year I have been well prepared to deal with the Super League and the World Cup, these two events for the two teams, I will certainly be balanced.

''I am looking forward to Tianjin Teda to achieve good results in the Super League, but also hope that Nigerian team can go farther and better in the World Cup. ''

Mikel struggled with an injury in his first season in China which kept him on the sidelines for four months, but he played a key role upon his return from injury, helping Tianjin Teda win five of their last six games which helped them avoid relegation.

Igho Kingsley