- John Mikel Obi says he will give his all for Nigeria to qualify for the 2018 World Cup
- The Super Eagles play Cameroon in a 2018 World Cup qualifier double header in late August
- The midfielder wants to reach Russia 2018 as his wife Olga Diyachenko is from the country
John Mikel Obi says he must help Nigeria qualify for the 2018 World Cup to please the family of his wife Olga Diyachenko.
The Tianjin TEDA midfielder told FIFA.com that Olga's family have tasked him with helping Nigeria qualify for the World Cup.
Speaking ahead of the double header against Cameroon, the 30-year-old said winning would not be easy but could be achieved.
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Mikel has vowed to help the Super Eagles qualify for the World Cup. Photo: Fifa.com
“As everyone knows, they are a very good team,” midfielder told FIFA.com.
“They are strong and they play with confidence. We must get ourselves well prepared for this game and try our best to get on top against them. It won’t be easy but these are important matches. If we win both, we will be almost there.”
The former Chelsea man also discussed his extra motivation for qualifying; his wife's family who are from Russia.
Mikel Obi and his wife Olga Diyachenko. Photo: Olga Diyachanko/Instagram
He said: “My wife is Russian, and many of our relatives and friends are from Russia. They are all expecting Nigeria to qualify for the next World Cup. I think they will kill me if I fail them.”
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The Super Eagles top Group B in the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiers on six points while Cameroon are second with two points.
Uyo will play host to the two teams on August 31 with the reverse fixture coming in Yaounde on September 4.
Meanwhile, you can see NAIJ.com's video of the Super Eagles training ahead of the World Cup qualifiers;