Ex Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia has rated Nigerian midfielder, Mikel Obi’s performances in most competitions as dismal. He also noted that speaking to Mikel on the need to step up his game could prove a little difficult as he isn’t open to criticisms.

“Someone would have to talk to him. But to talk to Mikel, you have to be ready for your own beating. From what we have seen and what people are saying, they don’t think he is giving his best. But he should be able to criticise himself.”

He continued, “He should do a self-critique. If he believes he is not doing well, he has to try and up his game. He has been watching the games from the World Cup, if he thinks he is not doing well, why is he not scoring, he has to be able to look at those videos and see the areas he needs to improve on.

“Nobody has to tell him. He is a professional. So, I am not going to criticise him. He has done well for this country, but if he is not doing well like he used to, then something has to be done.”

On whether Mikel should be a defensive or attacking midfielder, Siasia admitted that he’s confused.

“I am actually confused on that one, I don’t know anymore. As a defensive midfield player, it doesn’t mean you should not go forward or try to take some shots at goal. Nemanja Matic is doing it; Ramires is doing it, so how come Mikel is not doing it? Why can’t he cover the box-to-box play? If you don’t get into the box, you can never shoot at goal. So, that is his problem.” He added

Credit: Guardian NG