Mikel praises Keshi 'gamble'

Nigeria midfielder John Mikel Obi has praised the courage of Stephen Keshi in selecting a young squad

Posted: 9 February 2013 Time: 06:19 pm

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Nigeria midfielder John Mikel Obi has praised the courage of coach Stephen Keshi in selecting a young squad as Nigeria prepare to play the Africa Cup of Nations Final.

Keshi dropped star players Oaze Oemwingie, Obafemi Martins, Taye Taiwo, Uche Kalu and more, in favour of younger talent, and has seen his decision rewarded with the country's first Final in 13 years.

Mikel says it is a gamble that deserves credit.

"All credit must go to the coach who took a gamble on a very young squad, because I'm just 25-years-old but am looking like the oldest in the team," Mikel said.

CLICK HERE for more on the 2013 Afcon

The balance of youth and experience has ensured a stable dressing room, and helped the team bond, according to the Chelsea star.

“We are together, united and playing for each other and that has accounted for where we are today.

"This team will not only win the trophy on Sunday for the Nigerian people but will win many more trophies for a long time to come,” he added.

Article by: Colin Udoh

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noshitforsure
posted: 06:27 pm
well said bro , you are now very mature and that is why we have many bad mouth from other country's , but come morrow God will prove them all wrong, up 9ja , up Mikel
Anonymous
posted: 06:53 pm
Mikel Onyeball, that is the spirit. Fight like you are in the Camp Nou with 10 men against Barcelona and God will reward you with the African title. This team is a family, fight like one. Slyman
MABJOKO.
posted: 07:06 pm
Nigeria diz Nigeria dt eish I hate Nigeria wsh they could loose so that SunnySide cn hv order
Grandboi
posted: 07:13 pm
\"This team will not only win the trophy on Sunday
for the Nigerian people but will win many more
trophies for a long time to come,” he added.
______________________________________________
If a team of 5 weeks can perform like this. Come afcon2015 dis guys would be unstoppable...UpSE UpJESUS
alhajibolaji554
posted: 07:20 pm
@Mabjoko and you people say we have big mouth.
mystical
posted: 07:27 pm
In Keshi We Trust! Go now and put the Burkinabes out of their misery!
Grandboi
posted: 07:36 pm
MABJOKO. posted: 07:06 pm | Report

Nigeria diz Nigeria dt eish I hate Nigeria wsh they
could loose so that SunnySide cn hv order
______________________________________________
I know you are getting mad at Nigeria success in the afcon2013,and since your comment wouldn't change our status,you can say whatever you feel. It's a compliment to Nigeria..
Vez'ikhanda
posted: 08:00 pm
how many trophies are at stake on sunday ? If it's one then Mikel is mistaken for thinking abwt winning tomorow's trophy. That one is heading to Burkina faso
jenmi75
posted: 08:40 pm
mikel true talk my brother more grace to your elbow can't still believe 5 weeks team, all we are saying....... give us keshi as our future coach
maphul 'inkomo
posted: 08:51 pm
Im not supporting u guys but de stage its urs anyway
The President
posted: 10:03 pm
The Big Boss.
Sexysox
posted: 10:06 pm
Mikel i salute you guys, but remember we said the same thing about Ghana 4 years ago where are they now?????
Me,myself and I
posted: 02:26 am
Our people let us come together and tell Keshi to watch out for this man Pitroipa, this guy really suffer us in the group stage with all his diving, that was why Ambrose was giving a red card, Keshi should not put Ambrose anywhere close to this guy, we need to slow his game down and cut off passes going to him.
Knet
posted: 02:42 am
Its not about d 5weeks dat it took to assemble dis team dat realy got me in estacsy,its d way in wich dis guys progress frm a disjointed 1st march into an efficient samba-like machine...d progression as bn nothing but awesomely magnificient. Winning d confederation cup 4 africa is now a possibility..1 love
Deking
posted: 07:41 am
This is destiny and no one can stop it.You can hate Nigeria and Nigerians all you want but God loves Nigeria that is all that matters.Nigeria is Africann King !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good luck
posted: 01:44 pm
Super Eagles Go all the way and win the cup, God is with us and with God all things are possible for those who really believe in him. Up Super Eagles! Up Naija! Up president Goodluck Jonathan! God bless Naija!
Alameen78
posted: 07:26 pm
I pray that nigeria play very well today final in joborg
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