SUPER Eagles player, John Mikel Obi has declared that the quality of the Nigerian team is not as good as that of Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire national teams.

"The fact the World Cup is in Africa is a reason why I really want to be there but the quality of the Nigerian team is may be not as good as the Ivory Coast and the Ghanaian team. Many of the players are not playing in the Premier League or other major clubs," Mikel said.

The Nigerian international also expressed optimism that he would be at the World Cup in South Africa next summer, despite Nigeria's indifferent form during an unimpressive qualifying campaign so far.

The Super Eagles have recorded three draws and only one victory in a group which includes Mozambique and Kenya, and is topped by Tunisia, but the Chelsea man is sure that they will be competing in their home continent once the finals kick off next summer.

"No, no, we won't be left behind! We have two more games, at home to Mozambique and away to Kenya and we have a slim chance of qualifying. We will see how it goes. Hopefully we will win the rest of our games," he told the Blues' official website.

Meanwhile, Mikel has revealed that the frequent changes in coaching at Stamford Bridge has affected his development as a player. Mikel was signed by Chelsea under Jose Mourinho but has undergone tutelage under Israeli Avram Grant, caretaker Howard Wilkinson, Guus Hiddink of The Netherlands and is now being handled by Carlos Ancelotti.

''Every time a new manager comes in it is difficult. I try to get used to the old manager and he goes and another one comes in and wants you to play a different way, and then another one comes and sometimes it is a bit confusing,'' Mikel said.

However, the Nigerian has high regards for Ancelotti's midfield diamond formation where he plays in a defensive area. "He (Ancelotti) knows the role very, very well and sometimes he speaks with me about it," the player told Chelsea's official website.

"He told me he was like me but we will see how it goes," said the player who has made 135 appearances for the Blues. "The manager wants me to pass the ball a bit quicker so yes, we will see how that goes – but it also depends on the options you have as well. You cannot pass the ball quicker when you don't have options so it is not just about me."