Nigeria skipper Mikel Obi has said tonight’s AFCON decider against Egypt in Alexandria reminds him of when the Super Eagles had their backs to the wall and also had to win in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2009 to qualify for the 2010 World Cup.
The Eagles scraped a 3-2 win in Nairobi to qualify for their fourth World Cup.
“We are in the same situation now as we were then going to Nairobi. I just have it in my mind that it can be done, that we have done it before,” remembered Mikel, who along with Elderson Echiejile, is the only survivor on the squad in Egypt.
“Yes, we will go out there on Tuesday night and do exactly what we have to do: fight. It is not going to be easy but I keep remembering what we did in Nairobi that evening and I know it can be done.”
The coach in Nairobi, Shuaibu Amodu, who is now the national technical director. Has also reminded Mikel of that day in Kenya.
“I also remember Nairobi, and I have already discussed it with Mikel (Obi) and he remembers very well and the spirit is there and he will pass it on to the other players,”Amodu said.
"We just have to remember that it has been done before and that we can do it again. Of course, that was a FIFA World Cup qualifier and this one is an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. But the same principle can be applied and Nigeria will come out victorious.”