Russia 2018: Mikel Calls out Croatia on Decision to Rest Stars

The Super Eagles of Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel has slammed the decision by Croatia to rest players’ vs Iceland. Mikel called on them to be professionals and not rest their stars for the game.

The Super Eagles could find themselves relying on the Group D leaders – who plan to leave big names out against Iceland – to reach the knockout stages

Two goals from Ahmed Musa ensured Nigeria remain in the hunt for a place in the knockout stages as they saw off Iceland in Volgograd.

A victory for the Super Eagles against Argentina in Saint Petersburg will be enough for them to reach the last 16 for the fourth time in their history.

And though a defeat to the Albiceleste would confirm their elimination, a draw would mean they require Croatia to do them a favour against Iceland.

Croatia have already booked their place in the latter stages of the competition, and as such manager Zlatko Dalic has vowed to leave out some of his star players in a bid to conserve their fitness.

Mikel, though, does not understand the reasoning behind Dalic’s decision and feels it is unfair on the rest of the teams in the group. He said;

“I don’t think it’s the best thing to do,” he told Goal. “This is a massive tournament – you can’t rest people and give others a chance of qualification.

“They should be professional and play their best team. This is such a big stage that you can’t rest players just to help other teams to qualify.”