Relieved Mikel Awaits Toure Midfield Battle

Super Eagles and Chelsea of England midfield star, John Mikel Obi, was a relieved man on Friday afternoon after continental soccer ruling body, CAF, cleared him morning of the same day for the quarter final duel against the Elephants of Cote D’ Ivoire.

 Looking relaxed and in company of roommate, Victor Moses, Mikel said he was hurt when it was reported that he had picked up two yellow cards.

 “I am the one that is always at the receiving end of hard tackles and I knew that I had only one yellow card but the media was going about it that I have two.

 I was a little confused but now I’m happy and relieved and ready for the match. He continued: “I know that Africa wants the best of both countries in the quarterfinal and personally I’m looking forward to the midfield battle against Ivorien Yahya Toure, that will be one good spectacle that Africans will like to see and I know that Toure is also relishing it”, he said.

 Team Coach, Stephen Keshi said he was a bit alarmed by reports that Nigerians have already written off the Super Eagles in that game against the Ivoriens.

 “It’s at this point that we need the total support of all Nigerians and I must urge them not to detract from that. Names don’t play football and our players are ready to give their all in the game against Ivory Coast.