Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel has urged his troops to be focused when they face Cameroon in today’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier today.
The Super Eagles will face off with the reigning Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions Cameroon in back to back World Cup qualification Group B matches.
Nigeria will play host to the Indomitable Lions in Uyo today, while the return leg encounter is scheduled to be played in Yaounde next week Monday.
Mikel, who represented Nigeria at the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil, says they are targeting nothing but a victory over Cameroon at home.
“There is always a motivation going to the World Cup. World Cup is the best tournament in the world and everyone wants to be there,” Mikel told the media.
“I think for most of the players here, it’s going to be their World Cup and we are ready to make sure that Nigeria qualify.
The Super Eagles are placed at the top of Group B standings with six points. They are four points ahead of second-placed Cameroon with four games left.
“I know the players know what is at stake in the game on Friday (today) and also the return leg. We started this race in Zambia and the players know the task ahead,” the China-based midfielder continued.
“We want to go to the World Cup; it’s as simple as that. And there are no easy ways of doing that; we have to win the games.
“We have to make sure that we are undeterred, focused and play well. A win is a win if we can get a win on Friday, it doesn’t matter how we play.”