Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi says the Super Eagles never gave up believing in their ability to reach next year's World Cup even when all hope seemed lost following a gut-wrenching 2-2 draw against Tunisia in Abuja.

"We never gave up even though it appeared we had lost it when we drew against Tunisia in Abuja," he said.

Mikel, who set up two of Nigeria's three goals, was at the centre of some of Nigeria's best moves during the game and said the team were determined to be in South Africa.

"We did not even want to think about not going, so we were determined to make Nigerians happy by being part of the World Cup," said Mikel.

"I am proud to be part of this victory today."

The squad left immediately after the game on their chartered aircraft, and will now be in the stadium on Sunday to cheer the Golden Eaglets in their Under-17 World Cup Final against Switzerland.



Source: Kickoff.com