Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has revealed that the players tried their best in Tuesday’s 2-1 loss to Argentina in a Russia 2018 World Cup Group D clash played at the Saint Petersburg Stadium in St. Petersburg.

Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo struck an 86th minute winner to break Nigerian hearts and send Argentina to the knockout stage at the expense of the West Africans.

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi had earlier scored the 100th goal of the tournament via a 14th minute opener before Victor Moses levelled matters for the Super Eagles at the start of the second half and they were good value for the point that would have sealed passage into the second round until Rojo struck for the Argentines for a second successive World Cup match against Nigeria.

While speaking after the match, the former Chelsea star also backed the young team for the next edition in Qatar in four year’s time.

In his words, Mikel said: “It’s what it is. We did everything we could, most especially in the second half. We came out, we pushed we pushed and pushed. We got the goal.”

“We played well. It wasn’t to be, we conceded in I don’t know what minute.

“It’s a good team. In four year’s time I think most of them would be ready for the tournament.” He concluded.