The Super Eagles opened their 2014 World Cup campaign with a surprising
goalless draw against Iran at Estádio Joaquim Américo Guimarães,
Curitiba on Monday night.
Despite the lacklustre performance by the Nigeria team, Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel was voted the Budweiser Man of the Match.
And the central midfielder was shocked with the outcome of the match many had tipped them to win before they stepped onto the pitch.
Speaking at a press conference, Mikel said: "Naturally we’re disappointed because we know what it means to win your opening match at the World Cup. We thought we had a good chance of winning.''
''We created some openings in the first half and I think we deserved to score. Iran kept us at bay, though, and they were well organised at the back.
''We need to raise our game if we want to reach the next round.''
Destiny will no longer be in Nigeria's hands should the team drop points in the next fixture against Bosnia this coming Saturday in Cuiabá and Mikel is aware of that fact.
''We prepared very well for this World Cup and we can’t afford to drop another point in our remaining games,'' the Super Eagles number 10 concluded.
The draw against Iran means Nigeria is still searching for her first victory at the World Cup after nine games played.
Despite the lacklustre performance by the Nigeria team, Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel was voted the Budweiser Man of the Match.
And the central midfielder was shocked with the outcome of the match many had tipped them to win before they stepped onto the pitch.
Speaking at a press conference, Mikel said: "Naturally we’re disappointed because we know what it means to win your opening match at the World Cup. We thought we had a good chance of winning.''
''We created some openings in the first half and I think we deserved to score. Iran kept us at bay, though, and they were well organised at the back.
''We need to raise our game if we want to reach the next round.''
Destiny will no longer be in Nigeria's hands should the team drop points in the next fixture against Bosnia this coming Saturday in Cuiabá and Mikel is aware of that fact.
''We prepared very well for this World Cup and we can’t afford to drop another point in our remaining games,'' the Super Eagles number 10 concluded.
The draw against Iran means Nigeria is still searching for her first victory at the World Cup after nine games played.
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