John Obi Mikel hopes that the national team's World Cup performances unite Nigeria

Mikel speaking ahead of their crucial Round of 16 clash with France

Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel is hopeful that victory over France will unite Nigeria at a time when the country is awash with violence and bloodshed. Although there have been squabbles in the squad about a bonus fee, all of that pales in comparison to the current scenario in Nigeria.

The African nation has seen a surge in mass abduction of school girls in April and on Sunday at least 15 people were killed in an attack on two Nigerian villages in the northeast of the country. The attack is believed to be the work of Islamist militants, with the actual death toll still unknown.

Ahead of the round of 16 clash with France, the 27-year-old Mikel hopes that his side concentrate on the game and bring the country together. Mikel said: "I think it has been quite a tragedy, (but) we are here, we have a job to do, we have got to play the games and have get on with it, that's the job, but the things that are going on back home we shouldn't let it affect us,”

The Chelsea midfielder also added that football is something that "unites everyone back home in Nigeria” and he hopes that victory over France will bring back some smiles on their faces. Mikel added: “everyone loves football, and as long as we keep doing well and as long as we keep winning, I think this football alone can bring unity back to these various places where we are having problems.”

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi also voiced the same sentiment ahead of the game against France on Monday, which is turning into a very important game for the country in more ways than one. After becoming the first African country to get past the group stages in three separate World Cups, the Super Eagles will be looking for a win to etch their place even deeper into the minds of all their fans.