English Premier League club Chelsea has praised their midfielder John Obi Mikel and a host of other Nigerian players following Nigeria’s 2-0 quarter final over Denmark in the ongoing Olympic Games in Brazil.
Mikel was one of the stars of the night as he scored a nice goal, and then set up the second as Nigeria eased past their European counterparts.
Reacting to the game in a reported dedicated to Mikel and the Nigerian team, the Chelsea website wrote: “John Mikel Obi scored a classy goal to bring Nigeria within reach of an Olympic medal with a 2-0 quarter-final win against Denmark in Salvador on Saturday evening.”
“The Chelsea midfielder stole a march on his marker and calmly side-footed home for the first goal in a tense, entertaining encounter.
“Mikel earned a valuable 16th-minute reward for his attacking intent in midfield before a header from Aminu Umar doubled their advantage with an hour played.”
The Chelsea official website also went on to praise other Nigerian players on the night including goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel and striker Imoh Ezekiel.
They wrote further: “Indeed, Nigeria needed a flurry of fine first-half saves from their goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel, especially from Danish midfielder Frederick Borsting, to maintain their lead.
“Mikel and his team-mates stood firm, nevertheless, protecting a slightly apprehensive back four, as they defender from the front led by forwards Sadiq Umar and Imoh Ezekiel. The Blues veteran was also paramount and played a part in almost every opportunity for Nigeria.”
The English club also praised Mikel’s performance in the 2-0 loss to Colombia in the final group game. Nigeria face Germany in the semifinal.