Mikel John Obi

Mikel John Obi, born John Michael Nchekwube Obinna on April 22, 1987, is a retired Nigerian professional footballer renowned for his role as a defensive midfielder. His football journey began at Plateau United, a local club in Nigeria, before he made a significant move to Norway's Lyn at the age of seventeen in two thousand four.

In two thousand six, Mikel's career took a dramatic turn when he transferred to English giants Chelsea amidst a highly publicized dispute with Manchester United, who claimed to have secured his signature. His eleven-year tenure at Chelsea was marked by remarkable success, including the triumph of two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and the prestigious Champions League title in the two thousand eleven to twelve season.

After his time at Chelsea, Mikel explored opportunities abroad, playing for clubs such as Tianjin TEDA, Middlesbrough, Trabzonspor, Stoke City, and Kuwait SC. His international career with Nigeria spanned fourteen years, from two thousand five to two thousand nineteen, during which he earned ninety-one caps and scored six goals. He participated in five Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, clinching victory in two thousand thirteen, and represented Nigeria in two World Cups, also securing a bronze medal at the Olympics in two thousand sixteen.