Earlier in the week, Nigerian football legend Mikel John Obi announced his retirement from the round leather game. The ex-player prospered on the pitch for both club and country, amassing a number of titles and individual honours.
Mikel featured for several clubs in Europe and Asia but was most popular during his time at Chelsea Football Club. He represented Nigeria at the U17, U20, U23 and senior levels.
Growing up
Born John Michael Nchekwube Obinna in April 1987, Mikel began his football career as a 12-year-old. He was picked as a gifted footballer from more than 3,000 young players who competed in Pepsi Football Academy.
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He officially started playing with local club Plateau United. The former lanky midfielder then joined Norwegian club Lyn aged 17 in 2004.
In 2006, he made a controversial transfer to English club Chelsea after Manchester United claimed they had already signed him. He went on to play for Chelsea for over a decade.
“Michael” to “Mikel”
Some football fans may not know that “Mikel” was not the 35-year-old’s original name right from the start. As earlier written, his birth name was “Michael” even though he officially changed to the name “Mikel” in August 2016.
It all began at the U-17 World Cup held in Finland in 2003. The Nigeria squad included Mikel, who was born under the name John Michael Nchekwube Obinna.
He became ‘Mikel’ thanks to a registration error. A member of the association had given his name incorrectly, and it was subsequently printed on the player’s jersey.
Early career
The Pepsi Academy scouted young footballers with the potential to play professional football. Obi was exceptional during scouting and was later selected to play for top-flight club Plateau United.
Based in Jos, Plateau United had previously developed stars like Victor Obinna Nsofor, Celestine Babayaro, Christian Obodo, among others. These players went on to represent the Super Eagles and played for different clubs across Europe.
Mikel was a prominent member of Nigeria’s team at the 2003 FIFA U17 World Cup held in Finland. After the Championship, he went on to a trial at South Africa club Ajax Cape Town. However, he joined Oslo-based club Lyn Fotball in Norway.
He announced himself to the world at the 2005 FIFA U2O World Cup held in Holland. The young Mikel Obi who would later become a football legend, dazzled during the World Youth Championships.
With his commanding displays, he led the Flying Eagles to the final where they faced Lionel Messi’s Argentina. The South Americans won the game 2-1 following a pair of penalty kicks scored by Messi. The Barcelona legend sent goalkeeper Ambrose Vanzekin to the wrong direction both times.
Nigeria’s only goal in that game was scored via Chinedu Obasi Ogbuke’s flying header following a delightful cross from Olubayo Adefemi.
Mikel produced a piece of midfield masterclass not just in the final, but in the entire tournament. His virtuoso exploits earned him the Silver ball award.
He was second best only to Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Flying Eagles left-back Taye Taiwo won the Bronze Ball.
Successful club career
As a football legend, Mikel Obi represented clubs in Norway, England, Turkey, China and Kuwait.
Following a long-drawn transfer controversy, Mikel joined Chelsea instead of Manchester United in 2006.
The Red Devils were initially destined to secure his services but last minute events landed the youngster in West London.
He played for Chelsea until 2017, winning multiple titles during his time at the club. Undoubtedly, that was the most successful period of his career.
The legend joined Chinese Super League side Tianjin TEDA in 2017 and was there for a season. Obi returned to England, teaming up with Championship side Middlesbrough in 2019.
He also had a brief stint in Turkey, featuring for Trabzonspor.
Making a return to England once again, he signed for Stoke City and was with the club between 2020 and 2021. He ended his career at Kuwait SC.
Titles
While with Chelsea, Mikel Obi claimed two league titles (2009/10 and 2014/15) and three FA Cup titles (2006/07, 2008/09, 2011/12). The strong midfielder helped Chelsea to the Football League title in the 2006/07 season also. He went ahead to win the FA Community Shield in 2009.
Mikel Obi added the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League to his football cabinet, securing his ‘legend’ status. At Turkey, the Nigerian won the Turkish Cup in the 2019/20 season.
At the national team level, Obi won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013 and won the bronze medal thrice. He and his teammates finished the AFCON tournament as second runners-up in 2006, 2010 and 2019.
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The 2016 Summer Olympics saw Mikel claim bronze with the Dream Team. Some notable members of that team are Imoh Ezekiel, William Troost-Ekong, Aminu Umar and Sadiq Umar.
Individual honours
In addition to the Silver ball award at the 2005 World Youth Championship, Mikel also received the CAF Most Promising Talent of the Year award in 2005.
The football star won back-to-back Chelsea young player of the year award in 2007 and 2008. He made the CAF Team of the Year in 2005 and 2013 as well as the 2013 AFCON Team of the tournament.
He was the African footballer of the year runner-up in 2013, second behind Ivorian Yaya Touré.
Mikel Obi is indeed a football legend and ranks amongst the greatest Nigerian footballers of all time.
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