Nigeria’s U-23 team captain Mikel Obi has said unity and an understanding of what is required of the team have helped the team reach the semi-finals of Olympics Men’s Football Tournament.
Asked in an interview with Fifa.com why the team worked so well, Mikel said, “Sheer determination, effort, togetherness and unity in the team. It’s been absolutely amazing. Also the team is built to play offensive football and to express ourselves and make sure we create chances and score goals.
“I think it’s hunger and willingness to help each other on the pitch, to run for each other. We know exactly what to do when we play. I think that’s very important and that’s exactly what’s got us here.”Mikel stressed that the players were focused on the semi-final clash with free-scoring Germany and not on the final.
Germany scored 19 goals en route to the semi-finals and while Mikel admits that they are “a very good side”, he said Nigeria won’t change its approach to the game.
He said, “The Germans are a very good side, so we have to make sure we do our job. With this team, we don’t concentrate much on what the other teams do. We concentrate more on what we can give and offer on that day. The game before is gone.
“It’s about what we can produce at that time and in those 90 minutes or however long we’re going to play for. We always try to concentrate on that, and I think we’ve done that so far, so I don’t think we’re going to change.”
Should Nigeria emerge victorious and go on to win the tournament, it would mean the world to the Chelsea midfielder, who has been outstanding as the leader of the team.
“It’s going to mean a lot. It’s going to mean the world to me. It’s going to be the icing on the cake. As much as anyone, I want to win. This is what it means to me no matter what I’ve won. I think winning with this team is going to be amazing. I’m hoping and praying for that,” he said.
Dream Team VI take on Germany at 8pm tonight.
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