By Tony Ubani

John Obi Mikel, Osaze Odemwingie and Victor Moses are the three Super Eagles players that Brazilians here have shown more love and demand autographs from. The three, incidentally, play their club football in England’s premier League – Chelsea, Stoke and Liverpool respectively.

But baby-faced Mikel stands out as the crowd roars into Mikel, Mikel, Mikel from the moment he steps out of the hotel to the team’s bus and onto the pitch where kids dare security personnel in a marathon race to either embrace him, clean his boot or kiss him.
Mikel who is playing in his first World Cup spoke to Sports Editor, Tony Ubani on his expectations.

‘’It is my first World Cup and I am ready to give it a shot just like other players. The World Cup remains the highest height of every footballer’s ambition. I am happy to be playing here but most important is that we have a dream of playing for each other. We want to make something out of the World Cup. It is not about individuals. It is about a team. And I am a member of the team
“It is good to know that many expect me to lead. In this team, the coach determines what we do and we do it according to his instructions. People might not notice the roles of players but the coach knows and we do things collectively to ensure that we come out victorious.

“There is love and unity in the team. We are like a family. All the players are ready to give their best. And with these will-power, I think that we will do well because of this determination.
“Promises? I promise a good outing by the team. You are aware that all teams are well prepared for the World Cup. So, no one underestimates any team. You need to work hard first and also rely on good luck. We’ve been working hard and deserve to do well.