Sunday 3 June 2018 10:37, UK
Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel saw enough from England on Saturday to feel he can back Gareth Southgate's team as potential World Cup winners.
Former Chelsea midfielder Mikel played the full 90 minutes as England defeated the Super Eagles 2-1 at Wembley to continue a strong run of pre-World Cup preparation.
Nigeria struck back upon the restart of the second half, though England were able to hold on for victory.
Speaking following the final whistle, Mikel admitted he was impressed by what he saw and sees no reason why a youthful England side cannot realistically challenge.
"I think they have a very good chance of going all the way because the youthfulness and energy in this team... you can feel it," the midfielder said.
"I think the pace in the team, you can feel it, and that is why we had some problems in the first half.
"In the second half we corrected some mistakes and played a lot better. I think the England team have a good chance."
England have a final World Cup friendly clash with Costa Rica on Thursday June 7, before making their way to Russia.
Nigeria will be tasked with overcoming Argentina, Croatia and Iceland in Group D if they are to progress, though Mikel feels the squad can rise to the challenge.
"We are a very young team and we have to learn, it is good for this young team to have a taste of what we are going to face in Russia.
"We have to learn together as a team, we have to improve and that is why we played this game against such a quality side so we can know where we are and now we go back to training and try and improve."
