Nigeria must win their return leg against Egypt on Tuesday following Chad’s withdrawal from the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying campaign.
Chad’s departure was announced on Sunday, citing financial constraints and all points involving Chad have since been discarded.
Nigeria are currently two points adrift of Egypt with two rounds of qualifying remaining and only one team is now meant to qualify out of the pool.
Mohamad Salah’s late goal earned a 1-1 draw for Egypt in Kaduna on Friday, and the West African nation is heading out to avoid replication of 2015 AFCON feat where they failed to qualify.
John Obi Mikel told the Nigerian Football Federation’s official website, Nigeria is ready for the challenge and all will be done for the side to make an appearance at the continental showpiece.
“It’s a massive battle that we are going for and there should be no illusion about it,” he said.
“We have to face reality and everyone has to give more than 100 per cent because we just have to qualify for the Cup of Nations.
“We have to go to Alexandria and fight with everything we have. There are still matches to play and we have confidence that we will earn the ticket.”
