Chelsea Blame Ndifreke, Aminu, Popoola For Colombia Loss But Praise Mikel

Chelsea think their midfielder John Obi Mikel was outstanding despite Nigeria’s 2-0 loss to Colombia in Sao Paulo on Thursday morning, but admitted that the African champions struggled against the South Americans.

The influential Nigeria skipper would have set up Oghenekaro Etebo for the equalizer, with his team trailing 1-0, but the CD Feirense star missed the scoring opportunity.

Coach Samson Siasia made five changes to his starting line-up against Sweden, naming Akpeyi, Madu, Ndifreke, Aminu and Popoola in the squad , and the Blues reckon the lineup changes contributed to the country’s defeat.

Reviewing the game on the official website, Chelsea stated : “The Chelsea midfielder remained the linchpin of a second-string Nigerian side as their coach, Samson Siasia, chose to rest players ahead of a guaranteed last-eight game, but the newcomers struggled to find their feet against an improving Colombian line-up.”

“The Champions League winner with the Blues orchestrated most of the offensive moves, nearly enabling an equaliser for Nigeria with a deft lob through the Colombian back four, but a surging Oghenekaro Etebo spurned the chance.”

Next up, Mikel and Nigeria trade tackles with Scandinavians Denmark in the quarterfinals on Sunday.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : chelseafc.com