Super Eagles’ skipper, John Obi Mikel has insisted that the Nigerian side would have beaten Argentina in the last World Cup to qualify for the last sixteen if Turkish referee Cüneyt Cakir had awarded a penalty to the Eagles.
Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo had handled the ball in his own box in the second half of the match but the referee ignored the penalty appeal of the three-time African champions.
Speaking to China Central Television ‘Football Night’ on October 1, Mikel said : “When we played against Argentina, we did a good job until the 86th minute, but we still lost.
“At this time I have to look for strength from other places. This is a very difficult time. I am very upset on the pitch, but I have to find the motivation.”
The former Chelsea star added : “Until today, I still think that we could have won that game if we got the penalty. I think the referee was unfair. We could have won the game, but the game is over.
“Argentina is great. Messi is also the best player in the world, but I hope we can beat Argentina next time.”
Mikel concluded by saying that he wants to remain at Tianjin Teda for as long as possible as he’s happy in China amid speculation linking him with a departure in the January transfer window.
