Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem has revealed former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel and ex–Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos as his football idols ahead of Nigeria’s Round of 16 clash against Mozambique at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Awaziem, who has featured twice for Nigeria in the tournament, said Mikel has been a major inspiration to him since childhood, while he regards Ramos as the standard for defenders in world football.

“My idol is John Obi' Mikel. Though I am not a midfielder, I mean I knew him since I was young,” Awaziem said while speaking ahead of the knockout fixture.

“We used to live together in an old neighbourhood in Jos, Plateau State. So, I have known Mikel for a very long time. He's been my idol, he came from my academy as well.”

The Nantes defender added that when it comes to his position on the pitch, former Spain and Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos is his role model.

“For me, Sergio Ramos, that's my idol in my position, "he said.

Awaziem also stressed that the Super Eagles are fully focused on winning the AFCON title, insisting the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup is firmly in the past.

“We will give our best and fight for the AFCON. We don't want to keep talking about the World Cup, it's gone and we have forgotten about that, right now we are focused on the AFCON,” Awaziem said. 

According to the defender, the squad is mentally prepared and united as they head into the knockout stages.

“We just want to put all our focus here and we do here in Morocco and everyone has seen that already the players are locked in.” 

“Everyone is ready, so we are just trying to give it our best, help ourselves and help make Nigeria proud.”

 Despite the confidence within the camp, Awaziem refused to make bold promises, noting that football can be unpredictable.

“I can't promise anything because if I don't bring the trophy home and in football you don't promise,” he said. 

“You just work hard, the best team who plays wins the day, that's football.”

He concluded by saying the Super Eagles will aim to be the better side on the day by creating more chances and taking their opportunities.

“We will try to fight and make sure that we are the better team and we get more opportunities to score and try to win the game.”

Away from football, Awaziem also shared a lighter moment, revealing his favourite local dishes. “My best food is yam and egg sauce, and I love Apu (fufu) as well,” he said.

“My best food is Yam and Egg sauce and I love Apu (Fufu) as well.” 

Nigeria will face Mozambique on Monday, January 5 at the Fez stadium for a place in the quarterfinal of the tournament. 

Adeyemi Adewale