Obi Mikel Tips Nigeria To Overcome Ivory Coast

After initial doubts on his availability for Sunday's African Nations Cup cracker against the Elephants, Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel has shared his thoughts and impressions on the quarter-final tie.

Mikel, who is playing in his fourth African Cup of Nations, has predicted that the Eagles will overcome Ivory Coast at the  Bafokeng Stadium in two days time.

''I do not know how far we can go on, but what is certain is that we will do everything to honor the country and go as far as possible in this competition. Nigeria has the resources to win the competition.

''Obviously, we will face one of the best selections of the continent. I expect a difficult match, but we will try to have a good result. The Ivory Coast in practice plays good football and opens the game, and that's why it will be a great game,'' says Mikel to lebuteur.com.

Obi Mikel reunites with former Chelsea icon and Ivory Coast skipper Didier Drogba on Sunday. Though Mikel has nothing but respect for Drogba, he is confident Nigeria will progress to the next round of the competition.

''You know, it's always exciting to face a great player like Drogba. I am very happy to see him again. The Ivory Coast also have other great players, and we should therefore be very careful. We will do our best to have a good match and why not, to qualify for the semifinals,'' he told the Algerian website and added:

''It is true that we are not playing the easiest team in the tournament. but hey, we do not shy away. If we do our job as it should be on the ground, we can win and qualify. We'll see. ''

Finally, Mikel dismissed suggestions in a section of the media that there is unrest in the Eagles camp.

''The atmosphere is excellent. The players get along well and we train in a good mood. We have a great captain, Yobo, who does his job well as he should. Everyone plays for the team and we have now qualified for the quarterfinals. ''

Photo Credit: National Mirror