Victor Ikpeba has advised John Mikel Obi to use the disappointment of losing the African Player of the Year title as a springboard to perform even better and win it soon.

Mikel lost out to Côte d’Ivoire’s Yaya Toure, leading to widespread disappointment around Nigeria .

“He should not give up, he should continue to up his game and I believe he will win it soon,” Ikpeba, a former winner, said.

“We Nigerians were disappointed because we have not won it in a while and the expectation was for Mikel to win it,” Ikpeba said.

“It was a close call, and I think Mikel’s start in the EPL affected him. He did not have a great start, and Yaya was on fire.

“Mikel had a great Nations Cup and Confederations Cup and he was ahead of Yaya there, but I think Yaya’s nomination as the only African for the Ballon d’Or also played a part.

“But I want to say congratulations to Mikel. He had been on top of his game these last two years and if he continues like this, he will certainly win it soon.”