“We should learn how to close out games” – Mikel Obi

By Ifreke Inyang

John Mikel Obi has said that the Super Eagles need to work harder and learn how to close down games, after they once again threw a lead to draw against Zambia on Friday.
The Chelsea midfielder missed his spot kick in the first half, before Emmanuel Emenike scored his second of the tournament to give Nigeria the lead. Zambia equalised with five minutes of the game left from the spot, something that bothers Obi.
“I think we did well, the team did really well but again we conceded [late in] in the game,” he said.
“We have to keep working, we have to keep believing in what we do and in the way we play.

“Hopefully in the last game we will get the three points that we need to qualify for the quarter finals.”
Mikel dismissed his penalty miss, stating that it is a usual occurence in football.
He said: “It’s one of those things in the game, penalty is not an easy task but we went ahead again and I think we should learn more how to keep a lead.
“We just have to keep concentrating and keep doing what we’re doing.”
Nigeria will face Ethiopia in their final Group C game, while Zambia face Burkina Faso.
 DailyPost