John Obi Mikel and Croatia’s Lukas Modric and Ivan Rakitic are on the same level, according to former Super Eagles head coach, Samson Siasia.

The Super Eagles face the Europeans on June 16 for their opening Group D fixture at the Kaliningrad Stadium - with the former Chelsea man expected to lead Gernot Rohr’s men.

 “Mikel is in the same quality with Modric and Rakitic, even though Modric plays in Real Madrid,” he told Goal. 

“Mikel has played in Chelsea for many years and he is doing well in the Chinese Super League. I think they will fight for that position on the field of play.”

Following the Super Eagles’ unbeaten run to their sixth World Cup appearance, the 50-year-old urged Rohr’s men to prepare well and not dwell on their 4-2 victory over Argentina.

“They’ve done well but the problem is that most of our players are not playing in the big leagues and they don’t get enough playing time, the World Cup is not where to do physical activities,” he continued.

Daily Trust