TheCable

Super Eagles midfielder, John Obi Mikel, is relishing the dream of playing in the World Cup for the first time and he wants the experience to last till the end of the tournament in Brazil.

After missing out on South Africa 2010 due to an injury at the 59th minute of the eleventh hour, Mikel is ready to put in everything in order to lead the team to the final at the Maracana stadium on July 13.

“We want to make sure we stay here till the end of the tournament; we want to play the finals; we want to win the Cup, same as everyone. Nothing short of that,” Mikel told journalists in Brazil.

“We want to make sure we go a step ahead of where we normally finish in this tournament. It’s going to be tough, but it’s one we’re looking forward to.”

His absence four years ago left a huge vacuum in the Nigeria midfield as the Super Eagles lost twice and drew their last match to finish bottom of their group.

“It is [a dream come true to play at the World Cup]; it is my first World Cup,” Mikel said.

“I missed out on the last one with a knee surgery. This time, I’m fit and I’m ready and hopefully, we all can have a good tournament.”

Mikel will play his first-ever World Cup match tomorrow (Monday), when Nigeria confront Iran at the Arena de Baixada in Curitiba, beginning from 8pm Nigerian time.