Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has handed head coach of the side Gernot Rohr a big selection boost ahead of their quarterfinal clash against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
Mikel earlier ruled out of the competition due to a knee injury took part in light training during the team’s recovery session on Sunday morning at the Helnan Palestine Hotel.
The former Chelsea midfielder was replaced in the second half during Nigeria’s last group game against the Barea of Madagascar which they lost 2-0.
The Super Eagles edged out defending champions Cameroon 3-2 in a tightly contested second round encounter at the Alexandria Stadium on Saturday.
The West Africans looked destined to exit the competition after the Indomitable Lions turned the game around with Stephane Bahoken cancelling out Odion Ighalo’s 19th minute goal and Clinton Njie handing them the lead two minutes before the break.
Gernot Rohr’s side however rallied back to win the game with two second half goals by Ighalo and Iwobi.
The Super Eagles will face the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the quarterfinals on Wednesday at the Cairo International Stadium. Kickoff is 8pm Nigerian time.
