It was probably the best I have seen with my national team because it was really hard for us to go through. “We didn’t really know what to say to each other because we were all a bit shocked at first,” he added.

“It’s been a couple of days though now, so it’s started to sink in just what we’ve achieved and we can now look forward to the World Cup!” For Yobo it’s a second chance to play in the prestigious event and one he’s not taking for granted.

“I’m thrilled because I played at the World Cup in 2002 but then missed out in 2006 so this is another opportunity for me and I am delighted,” he said. “I am really looking forward to next summer.”

“We never gave up even though it appeared we had lost it when we drew against Tunisia in Abuja,” he said.

Mikel, who set up two of Nigeria’s three goals, was at the centre of some of Nigeria’s best moves during the game and said the team were determined to be in South Africa.