Super Eagles midfielder John Obi Mikel has backed Chelsea to upset Barcelona when both sides meet in the return leg of the Champions League.

Speaking to Chinese News outlet, NetEase, Mikel admitted that it would be a difficult task for Chelsea to go to the Camp Nou and get a Victory.

He, however, believes that Antonio Conte’s team can take inspiration from his 2012 Champions League winning Chelsea side that eliminated Barcelona at the Camp Nou in the semi-finals.

He said,“I believe they will knock out Barcelona on their own ground, just like we did in 2012.”

The Super Eagles Captain also took time to discuss his plans ahead of the busy year 2018 football Calender.

”It will be a daunting challenge and I’m looking forward to both teams doing well, but now I’m totally in Tianjin Teda,” Mikel told Netease Sports.

”It will be a long year for me. Now I have all my energy in Tianjin Teda for the new season, I’ll wait until after the start of the World Cup, I will transfer the same to the Nigerian team…

”This year I have been well prepared to deal with the Super League and the World Cup, these two events for the two teams, I will certainly be balanced.

”I am looking forward to Tianjin Teda to achieve good results in the Super League, but also hope that Nigerian team can go farther and better in the World Cup. ”