Nigeria have played down fears over the fitness of John Obi Mikel, who is recovering from a knee injury less than three weeks before the start of the World Cup.

The Chelsea midfielder recently underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus, but reports have suggested that he may be struggling to be fit for the tournament, which begins in South Africa on June 11.

But Nigeria Football Federation media officer Idah Peterside does not believe there is cause for concern. "We are confident here that he will be okay," Peterside told www.kickoffnigeria.com.