John Obi Mikel previews Africa Cup of Nations

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has backed Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi to make history at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

Having been part of the Nigerian squad that won the tournament back in 1994, Keshi heads into next year's instalment of the competition aiming to become the first person to win it as both a player and a coach.

Discussing the chances of Keshi achieving the feat, Mikel admitted that the players will have a big role to play.

"We need to prepare well, be focused and take all opponents very seriously," he told FIFA.com. "We also need to play as a team.

"If it is individual qualities, we have that in abundance and coach Stephen Keshi has already won this tournament as a player, and I believe he can make history by winning it again as a coach."

The tournament, which gets underway on January 19, will be hosted by South Africa.