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July 06, 2006
Eguavoen sings Obi's praises
Nigeria coach Austin Eguavoen believes John Mikel Obi is capable of taking English football by storm.
Eguavoen has told BBC Sport that Chelsea's new big-money signing is the "jewel" of Nigerian football.
The Super Eagles coach is convinced the 19-year-old midfielder is destined for greatness for club and country.
"Right now he's the jewel of Nigerian football, stepping into the shoes of Jay-Jay Okocha," Eguavoen said.
Obi finally resolved his future last month when he signed for the English Premiership champions in a multi-million-dollar move.
The Nigerian teenager had been at the centre of an astonishing tug-of-war between Chelsea and their big rivals Manchester United.
Eguavoen, who led the Super Eagles to third place at this year's African Nations Cup, said Nigeria should work closely with Chelsea to ensure the smooth development of the talented midfielder.
He said: "Mikel has matured a lot as a player but we still need to guide and protect him as he's still very young.
"He's an asset to Nigerian football and I'm sure [Chelsea manager] Jose Mourinho and the other big players at the club will be able to guide him."
With competition for first team places at the London club expected to be fierce, Eguavoen told BBC Sport that Obi will have to work hard in training and be patient.
"Whether or not he gets the chance to play is the major question but if he doesn't get to play as often as he would like, then he shouldn't be downcast.
"He must learn to fight in training and, hopefully, when he gets his chance he'll do Nigeria proud because we're all looking up to him.
"Discipline is the key word he should remember, especially as many people see him as an ambassador not only for the national team but the country as a whole."
Posted by Publisher at July 6, 2006 01:03 PM
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