Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi will be missing in Nigeria’s CAF AFCON qualifiers against Libya on October 13 after being left out by coach Gernot Rohr.
But that has not stopped him from reminiscing about his last effort for Nigeria in the last group D game against Argentina at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Nigeria lost 2-1 to Argentina although the Super Eagles only needed a draw to advance to the next stage of the competition.
Mikel, who captained the team during the game, however has continued to blame referee Cuneyt Cakir of Turkey for failing to call what appeared a clear penalty after the ball hit an Argentine defender’s hand inside the 18-yard box.
Speaking with China Central Television on October 1, the Tianjin TEDA midfielder said, “When we played against Argentina, we did a good job until the 86th minute, but we still lost.
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“At this time I have to look for strength from other places. This is a very difficult time. I am very upset on the pitch, but I have to find the motivation.”
The 31-year-old added, “Until today, I still think that we could have won that game if we got the penalty. I think the referee was unfair. We could have won the game, but the game is over.
“Argentina is great. Messi is also the best player in the world, but I hope we can beat Argentina next time.”