- Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel does not believe that his absence cost Nigeria the defeat against South Africa
- Nigeria lost 0-2 to the Bafana Bafana of South Africa on June 10, 2017 in Uyo
- Injured Mikel is however optimistic that the Super Eagles will bounce back
Nigerian international John Obi Mikel has rejected the talks that his absence contributed to the shocking defeat of the Super Eagles against South Africa on June 10, 2017 in Uyo.
Mikel who is the captain of the Super Eagles could not be part of the squad as he is currently recuperating from injury, and many Nigerian pundits and football lovers have claimed that Mikel would have been of help in the encounter.
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Mikel while in action for Nigeria
“Saying my absence cost the team is an insult to the talented players we have in the team. It could have happened even if I played, you never can tell.
''The players had a bad day and we will definitely bounce back with or without me.
''In football you can’t win all the time. We have a young squad who are very talented and the lesson learnt from the loss will make them better equipped for our remaining games in the World Cup and AFCON Qualifiers”. Mikel explained.
The Super Eagles defeat against South Africa ha put them in tight corner as Gernot Rohr's men must win their remaining qualifiers to have the chance of participating in the 2019 African Cup of Nations.
READ ALSO: Checkout 4 reasons Nigeria lost to South Africa in Uyo
Watch NAIJ.com video of the Super Eagles below