Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel admits his side have to improve quickly if they are to make an impact at the World Cup. The Super Eagles lost 2-1 to England in a friendly at Wembley on Saturday. Nigeria were punished for a dismal first half display as goals from Gary Cahill and Harry Kane put England in control.
Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi pulled one back for the visitors after the interval, but Nigeria couldn’t find an equaliser despite their improved second half performance.
Mikel knows Nigeria have to sharpen up in Russia if they to get through a tough group featuring Argentina, Iceland and Croatia.
“We are a very young team and we have to learn, it is good for this young team to have a taste of what we are going to face in Russia,” Mikel said.
“We have to learn together as a team, we have to improve and that is why we played this game against such a quality side.
“We can know where we are and now we go back to training and try and improve.”
Meanwhile, former Chelsea midfielder Mikel saw enough from England to feel he can back Gareth Southgate’s team as potential World Cup winners.
“I think they have a very good chance of going all the way because the youthfulness and energy in this team… you can feel it,” he said.
“I think the pace in the team, you can feel it, and that is why we had some problems in the first half.
“In the second half we corrected some mistakes and played a lot better. I think the England team have a good chance.”
