TheCable

Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi believes Nigeria’s Group F World Cup foe, Argentina will bite the dust when both countries meet in the last group match coming up in June 25 at the Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre.

Super Eagles face Argentina, Bosnia and Iran in the first round and Mikel said he’s expecting Nigeria to reach the knock-out stage, as they did in 1994 and 1998.

He spoke to AFP.

“It is a good draw for us but not an easy one. All the teams at the World Cup have the same dream and that is to win,” he said.

“Argentina are the favourites in our group and to even win the World Cup but Iran and Bosnia won’t be pushovers. Argentina are a top side, but they have been lucky to beat us three times at the World Cup. We will go for them this time. This time around they won’t be lucky, we are good to go.

“We will take all the games as they come with all seriousness.

“We will go for victory in our opening game against Iran as the first game is always very important in such a competition, then we do so for other games. I am sure we will progress from the group.”

After domestic and Champions League success with Chelsea and Africa Cup of Nations gold medal with the Eagles, Mikel, who is making his debut at the World Cup finals, is now targeting the biggest stage of them all.

“I missed the 2010 World Cup due to injury. I am looking forward to Brazil with great expectations,” he said.

“It will be a great and rewarding tournament for us. Looking at our team right now we are good enough to do well in Brazil.”