Mikel Obi Urges Super Eagles to Play with Confidence, Bravery, and Passion Against Gabon

Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has sent a heartfelt message to Nigeria’s national team ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff clash against Gabon on Thursday in Rabat, Morocco.

The ex-Chelsea midfielder emphasized that the team must play with confidence, bravery, and passion, reminding them of the honor and responsibility that comes with wearing Nigeria’s green and white jersey.

“Go into the game and play as we should — with full confidence, bravery, and passion — knowing you’re wearing the green white green,” Mikel said on the Obi One Podcast Channel.
“The badge of that green white green is huge. 300 million people — that is a lot of pressure, but you have to deal with it. I know they can do it, and I believe in them.”

The former captain’s rallying call comes as the Super Eagles prepare for one of their most important games in recent years. The winner of the Nigeria–Gabon match will face the winner between Cameroon and DR Congo in Sunday’s playoff final, with the eventual winner advancing to the FIFA intercontinental playoff in 2026.

Nigeria heads into the game on a positive note after thrashing Benin Republic in their previous qualifier, while Gabon also come in strong, having beaten Burundi.

Opinion: Mikel’s Message Is Exactly What the Super Eagles Need Right Now

John Mikel Obi’s words strike at the heart of what Nigerian football has long represented — pride, unity, and resilience. In an era where off-field controversies and administrative failings often cloud the team’s spirit, hearing such motivation from a respected former captain feels timely and necessary.

The Super Eagles don’t just carry a nation’s hope; they carry a heritage of greatness built by players like Mikel himself, Jay-Jay Okocha, and Kanu Nwankwo. These men understood that playing for Nigeria goes beyond tactics or form — it’s about playing for the millions who see their dreams in those green jerseys.

Confidence and passion are not clichés; they are the fuel that transforms a talented team into a fearless one. With the firepower of Victor Osimhen, the creativity of Alex Iwobi, and the experience within the squad, Nigeria certainly has what it takes. But they’ll need Mikel’s “three words” to turn potential into progress.

As the players step out in Rabat, they should remember what Mikel reminded them — the badge isn’t just cloth; it’s a symbol of pride, purpose, and the power of 300 million voices behind them.