Mikel Obi replies Mourinho after the Man United boss labelled him as a bad 10 and a good 6

macfranc007 June 21, 2018 Nigeria News today & Breaking news ▷ Read Naija news 24/7 Oluwatomiwa Babalola

- Mikel Obi believes Jose Mourinho was wrong to have claimed he wasn't a good number 10 for Nigeria against Croatia

- The Manchester United manager claims the 33-year-old would have played better as a defensive midfielder in that fixture

- Coach Gernot Rohr have another chance to put their campaign back on track if they can beat Iceland

Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has responded to Jose Mourinho's claims that he was played out of position in Nigeria's 2-0 defeat to Croatia in their Group D opener at the ongoing FIFA World Cup tourney in Russia.

After the match, the Manchester United boss said that the Tianjin Teda midfielder would have functioned better playing in the defensive midfield role last weekend.

The 33-year-old in his reaction felt unbelievable with his former manager's comments, but insisted that he has featured in that same position for the past 18 months.

He said that he can play in either positions but claims his priority is to help the team achieve success this campaign.

"John Obi Mikel is not a No.10 – he is a No. 6”, said José Mourinho said after Nigeria's 2-0 defeat to Croatia in their opening Group D game in Russia

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Mikel responds: "It is very fascinating. I played on this position for the last 1 ½ years. Nobody complained.

"I feel comfortable to play on both positions and I do everything I can for the team to win." #NGA

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An Oghenekaro Etebo own goal as well as Luka Modric's spot kick ensured the Croats kick off their campaign with a 2-0 win over the Super Eagles.

They will hope to bounce back in their second group game against Iceland at the Volgograd Arena on Friday, June 22.

NAIJ.com previously reported that Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho faulted the Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr for fielding John Mikel Obi at an advanced position against Croatia last weekend.

Nigeria got their 2018 FIFA World Cup opening campaign to a losing start on Saturday, June 16 - with Oghenekaro Etebo and Luka Modric scoring the goals that powered the Croats to victory in that encounter.

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Mikel functioned well as a defensive midfielder during his 11-year reign at Chelsea, and the Portuguese tactician believes the 31-year-old was played out of position.

Super Eagles Score 1:1 with DR Congo Team Simba in Port Harcourt - on NAIJ.com TV