John Mikel Obi has revealed that he was set to take the two penalty kicks, in the Super Eagles last Group C game against Ethiopia, but his Chelsea team mate Victor Moses, pleaded to allow him take them.
Obi had missed from the spot in the second game against Zambia, but Moses converted the two kicks to give Nigeria a much needed victory.
The midfielder however said he will not run away from taking spot-kicks in future.
He said: “I will not shy away from taking spots kicks because I missed one. After all, some of the best players in the world have at one time or the other missed spot kicks; so why should I be an exception.
“That I missed a spot kick does not mean that I would stop taking penalty kicks if called upon to do so. As a matter of fact, I wanted to take the kick against Ethiopia but when Moses begged me to allow him, I obliged and I am happy he scored both kicks.
“I am not dampened by that miss against Zambia at all. I will take a spot kick if we have one in our next match on Sunday.”
Nigeria play Cote d’Ivoire on Sunday, for a place in the last four.
Hmmmm, I never objected mikel’s spot-kick, but I am afraid that the super eagles will be shocked if mikel was oppurtuned to take penalties on our next match, I have said my mind o!
Mikel Obi is under a state of confussion with Moses plead to play the spot-kick but don’t be discourage, boy always take your stands.
well, he’s a great player but need to train an improve on taking spot kicks. Best of luck guy.
Abegi abegi! Go sit down joor! Mtschewwwww
Guy respect yourself,no just try am oo,wait till you go back to chelsea ,if you like take all thier penalty there,if i may ask,when last did a goalkeeper catch a ball you kick?,you think a whole nations cup is were you can experiment you skills
Haba! guy take it easy. Mikel is doing his best. He deserves sum praise n respect
the guy should only play penalty kicks where there is no stake in the game…fullstop.
this is to show that our National coach Stephen Keshi doesnt have a say in that team. Players do what dey want and their own will. Coach like Sampson Siasia wount allow this rubbish.