Mikel Obi has vowed to do everything to ensure the Super Eagles qualify for next year’s World Cup in Russia.Nigeria, who currently sit atop Group B Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiers on six points, are gearing up for their vital qualifying double-header against their eternal rivals Cameroon, who are second in the group on two points.

The Eagles host the Indomitable Lions in Uyo on August 31, with the African champions receiving the Nigerians in the reverse fixture in Yaounde on September 4.

And Nigeria captain Mikel, who has been struggling to regain fitness after undergoing surgery in London in April following an injury he sustained while playing for his Chinese Super League side Tianjin Teda, has warned his Eagles’ teammates to expect a tough test against the Lions over the two legs.The 30-year-old admits he is under pressure to feature in the world football showpiece in the country where the mother of his twins comes from.

He said, “My wife is Russian, and many of our relatives and friends are from Russia. They are all expecting Nigeria to qualify for the next World Cup. I think they will kill me if I fail them.”The 2012 UEFA Champions League winner laments the injury, which has sidelined him for months, promising to do everything within his power to be fit for the double-header.

Report by Miyen Akiri