Mikel withdraws from teammates as pressure of promise to Buhari weight on his shoulders

SUPER Eagles skipper Mikel Obi has been withdrawn since Nigeria's loss to Croatia last Saturday as the weight of the defeat has put him under pressure after he promised President Muhammadu Buhari that the team would bring back the World Cup.

Before the Super Eagles left for Russia, they paid a courtesy visit to President Buhari at the presidential villa, where Mikel, speaking on behalf of the players promised the president that the team would return with the World Cup trophy. After Saturday's 0-2 loss in a game in which the Eagles were totally toothless, Mikel is now under pressure to lead the team to a resounding victory against Iceland on Friday.

Apparently, President Buhari spoke with Mikel again a few hours before Nigeria tackled Croatia during which the skipper reassured the president that the team would not disappoint. A presidential delegation led by sports minister Solomon Dalung as well as Central Bank of Nigeria governor Godwin Emefiele and the Nigerian ambassador to Russia Steve Ugbah, facilitated the phone conversation.

One team insider said: “You can see that after the defeat, Mikel was down and withdrew more than his teammates, to the extent that he could not explain the defeat in a post-match interview. He knew the weight of disappointment."

Sports psychologist Odediran Ogunsanya, added: “The Super Eagles would have ordinarily won the match because the Croats were not at their best but they could not because of the pressure they shouldered not to disappoint Nigerians and Mr President who also spoke to them few hours into the match. Was there any need for that? For me, I do not think so.

"The team psychologist should not have allowed these big shots from the presidency have access to the team. Their presence could not help matters as the team did not get the right inspiration from them and their presence was a direct pressure which should not have happened."

He pointed out that the Eagles could beat Iceland with less pressure from off the pitch. Mr Ogunsanya advised that Nigeria should let the boys enjoy the game and they will score and secure the victory on Friday with less pressure also from the team officials.