AFCON 2025: John Obi Mikel calls on the Super Eagles to stay focused despite the bonus controversy.
As the quarterfinal against Algeria approaches, former Nigerian captain Mikel Obi urged players and staff to avoid any off-field distractions and to focus solely on the objective of winning the continental crown.
The former captain of Nigeria, John Obi Mikel, called on the Super Eagles to stand united and avoid any form of distraction in the midst of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, held in Morocco. While reports circulated about a possible refusal by players and staff to travel to Marrakech due to unpaid bonuses, the former Nigerian international stressed the essential point: the competition is won on the field. According to him, the team is in good form and must imperatively stay focused as the quarterfinal against Algeria, scheduled for Saturday evening, approaches.
Invited to the Obi One podcast, Mikel emphasized the demands of the upcoming rendezvous. He highlighted the collective quality of the Fennecs, their fluidity of play and the richness of their squad, calling the Super Eagles to deliver a performance of very high level. For the former Chelsea midfielder, nothing should disturb the team’s preparation or mindset.
While he recognizes that financial commitments must be respected, Mikel believes these issues should be resolved without encroaching on the sporting objective. Convinced of the potential of this Nigerian squad, he says he is persuaded that they have the means to go all the way and lift the trophy. Should they be successful against Algeria, Nigeria would reach the Africa Cup of Nations semifinals for the second consecutive edition, after finishing as Africa Cup of Nations runners-up in 2023 against Ivory Coast.
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