John Obi Mikel relishing Spain test

John Obi Mikel has said that he hopes Nigeria can beat world champions Spain when the two teams meet at the Confederations Cup this month.

As the current Africa Cup of Nations champions, the Super Eagles are taking part in the tournament in Brazil, which acts as a rehearsal for next year's World Cup.

The Chelsea midfielder told the club's website: "It's a good chance to see what the pitches and stadiums are like ahead of the World Cup, and hopefully we can be there in a year too.

"It makes the season a little bit longer but it's why we play football, to be champions and play in tournaments like this, to put your name in the record books. We have a tough group with Spain and Uruguay, but it's a chance for us to see where we are compared to other countries, if we make the World Cup.

"This competition will be good for us to test ourselves and we will see what happens. We've not spoken with the Spanish guys about it, but I just hope we can beat them when we play!"

Nigeria play Spain on June 23, while the first match of the competition takes place tomorrow.