Super Eagles midfielder, John Ogu, believes the team will do well in the absence of captain, Mikel Obi, when they face the Pirates of Seychelles in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Saturday.
The match will take place at the Linite Stadium, in Victoria, Seychelles.
Ogu is one of the 16 players called up from Nigeria’s squad to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia
Mikel, who led the three-time African champions to the global showpiece, misses out on the Seychelles game due to an injury.
Ogu admits that the game is a must win for the team having lost their opening tie to South Africa in Uyo 14 months ago.
“It’s a huge blow if the captain (Mikel) of the team isn’t available for such a crucial match, but we have players capable of filling the void,” the 30-year-old told reporters in the team’s Savoy Hotel Resort and Spa in Victoria.
“We lost our first game so it’s imperative to win on Saturday to brighten our chances.
“We are looking forward to the match as our opponents are relatively unknown. The fear of the unknown is what will motivate us to victory.”
The Hapoel Beer Sheva midfielder, who is also looking forward to his 20th cap for the Super Eagles, notes that a massive win will be the icing on the cake for him.
Ogu made his debut for Nigeria on March 23, 2013 coming on for Victor Moses in an AFCON qualifier against Kenya in Calabar.
