MIKEL JOHN OBI

 Mikel John Obi (born John Michael Nchekwube Obinna; 22 April 1987) is a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a defensive midfielder.

Mikel began his career with local club Plateau United, before joining Norwegian club Lyn at the age of 17 in 2004. In 2006, he made a controversial transfer to English club Chelsea after Manchester United claimed they had already signed him. He stayed with Chelsea for 11 years, before moving to China with Tianjin TEDA in 2017. After two years in China, he returned to England on a short-term deal with Middlesbrough, before joining Trabzonspor on a free transfer in July 2019. Mikel moved back to England in August 2020 joining Stoke City. In a 14-year international career between 2005 and 2019, he played 91 times for Nigeria, scoring six goals.

Mikel was born in Jos, Plateau State, the son of Michael Obi, who runs an inter-state transport company in Jos. His father was a member of the Igbo ethnic group.

Early career

Mikel started his football career at the age of 12 when picked as a talented footballer from over 3,000 young talents to play in Pepsi Football Academy, a team that at the time was well known for travelling across Nigeria scouting young footballers with the potential to play professionally.

Obi stood out to scouts and was later picked to play for top-flight club Plateau United, a side that had previously developed stars Celestine Babayaro, Victor Obinna and Chris Obodo, among others, that went on to success in European leagues. Later known as John Obi Mikel, he made headlines for his country at the FIFA Under-17 World Championships held in Finland. Following the tournament, he went on to a trial at South Africa club Ajax Cape Town, ultimately joining Oslo-based club Lyn Fotball in Norway.

Transfer to England

"Look, I wasn't really kidnapped. I was just staying away from the public eye making sure no one knew where I was. But there was a public announcement in Norway that, if anyone saw me, they should report it to the police, so we had to go and hide. Obviously, [Manchester] United were trying to get hold of me. So were Lyn. There were some tough times. It was like a movie."

— Mikel John Obi, reflecting on his bizarre transfer saga.

During preparations for the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Championship, the Nigerian Football Association (NFA) mistakenly submitted "Michael" as "Mikel" for the tournament in Finland. He decided to keep the new name, saying that it had a "special ring to it". He was most commonly referred to as "John Obi Mikel" upon his arrival at Chelsea, but on 31 July 2006, he stated that he prefers to be called Mikel John Obi instead,] and he officially changed his name to Mikel John Obi in 2016.

On 18 June 2021, the Nigerian Minister of Youth Sports Development, Sunday Akin Dare, announced the appointment of Obi as the country's Youth Ambassador.

On 12 August 2011, Mikel's father, Michael Obi, was the victim of a suspected kidnapping in Nigeria. Mikel was informed before Chelsea's match against Stoke City two days later but opted to play despite his concerns for his father's well-being. On 15 August 2011, Mikel made an impassioned plea for his father's safe return. He told Sky Sports News, "I've always tried to help the country, this is the time for the country to help me, whoever knows where my dad is should please contact me." Michael Obi was found alive on 22 August 2011, in the Nigerian city of Kano. His abductors were reported to be in police custody.[108][109] On 26 June 2018, a few hours before a World Cup match, Mikel was informed of another kidnapping of Michael Obi, but did not tell any of his team members. The Enugu State Police stated that they rescued Michael Obi on 2 July after a gunfight.

Honours:

Premier League: 2009–10, 2014–15

FA Cup: 2006–07, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2011–12

Football League Cup: 2006–07, 2014–15

FA Community Shield: 2009

UEFA Champions League: 2011–12

UEFA Europa League: 2012–13

Nigeria

Africa Cup of Nations: 2013; third place: 2006, 2010, 2019

Nigeria Olympic

Summer Olympics bronze medalist: 2016

Individual

FIFA World Youth Championship Silver Ball: 2005

CAF Most Promising Talent of the Year: 2005

Chelsea Young Player of the Year: 2007, 2008

CAF Team of the Year:2005, 2013

Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament: 2013

African Footballer of the Year runner-up: 2013

CREDIT:AARE SPORTS

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