Tag Archives: mikel

I Will like Mikel to Join Me At Watford – Ighalo

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Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has admitted that he would welcome international teammate Mikel Obi at Watford during the January transfer window.

Mikel is yet to make an appearance for Chelsea under Antonio Conte which has sparked reports of him leaving the London-based club before the end of the current season.

Speaking as a guest on Fanzone on SuperSport on Wednesday night, Ighalo said Mikel is a player any Premier League side will wish to have.

“I will like it if Mikel join me at Watford,” Ighalo said after being asked by one of the callers to the live show if he would like his fellow Nigerian at Vicarage Road. “He is my captain at the national team. Apart from that he is a very good player, very talented.

“I have played with him and against him, he is a very good player. There is no team in the Premier League that will not want to have such a player.

“I am happy I have played with him so I will be very happy to have him in my team.”

Despite not having the best of seasons for Watford after an impressive debut Premier League campaign last season Ighalo, who has scored just one goal in 12 league appearances so far, insists he is happy and will continue to work hard to get back into the team.

“I have a five-year contract at Watford, I am happy,” he said. “Though I am not playing regularly for now, as a striker I want to be playing but things are not going the way I want. But I am working hard, the fans love me and I want to keep going and see how the season goes.”

Ighalo described his first EPL goal for Watford (in a 2-2 away draw against Everton) as one of the greatest feelings he ever had.

He also stated that Watford’s promotion to the EPL two seasons ago was one of his greatest moments at the club.

“Scoring my first Premier League goal was one of my best feelings in life,” the 28-year-old added. “I always dreamed about the Premier League when I was young back then in the streets in Nigeria. I was just hoping to play in the Premier League and wasn’t thinking about scoring goals. I played in Spain and Italy and I always said to myself that I wanted to play in the Premier League.

“In my first game in the league away to Everton, I was sitting on the bench praying to just go in there and earn my first game, I never knew God had a plan for me to score my first goal. So when after scoring my first goal, I could not sleep when I got home, I was thinking about it and I was very happy; it was a great feeling for me.

“One of my great moments at Watford was when I gained promotion with the team two seasons ago. That was my dream before I came to Watford, to play in the Championship and to gain promotion to the Premier League. So that was one of my great moments at Watford.”

On who his best striker is, Ighalo named Argentina and Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero

“Back then I always loved to watch Manchester United’s Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke, they were great strikers. But for now the best striker in the Premier League is Sergio Aguero of Manchester City. He is a good striker that will guarantee you goals. These are strikers one can learn a lot of things from. So for now I think my best striker is Aguero.”

On the current performance of the Super Eagles, who currently top their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying group, Igahlo said: “Super Eagles have been doing well presently. In the past we had great players but right now it’s all about rebuilding.

“The last time we won the Cup of Nations, nobody gave it to us but everyone could see how the young and talented squad performed. And may the soul of the late Stephen Keshi rest in peace. He built a good team and even when nobody gave them a chance they still went on to win. So I am happy with the way the Eagles are doing now and I believe the future is bright for us with young and talented players like Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon and others.”

And on why he plans to start his own orphanage home, Ighalo explained: “I know what I went through growing up. It’s not that easy back home and that is why I always try to give back. Every month end I send money to the widows , the less priviledged, the orphans. And I am planning to open my orhanage and that will be in May in Lagos. The idea is to help and give back to the society because like I said, I am privileged to be who I am today, and it is good to try and help those in need. Not because I have much but because I know how it was back then, so that is why I am trying to give to the poor and the less privileged.”

John Obi Mikel ready to leave Chelsea – Reports

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Chelsea’s John Obi Mikel has told the BBC he’s ready to quit Stamford Bridge in January if he can’t force his way back into the team.

 

His comments come as Nigerian media report that he has been offered $212,000 (£170,000) a week to move to Chinese club Shanghai SIPG.

 

But Mikel says he has no regrets about deciding to go to the Olympics in Rio rather than spending pre-season with the club, a decision which is said to have upset manager Antonio Conte.

I Have No Regrets Going To The Olympics Despite Conte’s Displeasure – Mikel

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Nigeria captain Mikel Obi has insisted that he stands by his decision to represent his country at the Rio 2016 Olympics instead of participating in Chelsea’s pre-season with new manager Antonio Conte.

The 29-year-old also asserts that his place in Chelsea’s history is assured after his long, trophy-laden service to the English club.

“I’m not a guy who makes excuses in life,” Mikel, who is yet to feature for Chelsea under Conte, said in a BBC World Football interview monitored by Completesportsnigeria.com on Friday.

“I never make excuses. I never shy away from my responsibilities. Yes, maybe people would say maybe I lost my place at Chelsea because I went to the Olympics, I didn’t have pre-season with the team, a new manager was coming in and was probably upset that I left for the Olympics, and probably thinks I don’t care about the team.

But I don’t want to use those excuses, I want to keep training hard and make sure I change the manager’s mind. But if it doesn’t happen,  then it doesn’t happen.

“I’ll keep doing my best and be ready for whenever I’m called upon. Let’s see what happens in January. I have to remain professional. I keep training and working hard, hoping that one day I’ll get to play.”

Mikel, who captained the Nigeria U-23s to bronze in Rio in August as one of the three allowed overage players, says his medal is a prized possession he will forever cherish.

“I wouldn’t trade my Olympic bronze for a place in the Chelsea team,” he said. “As a man, when you make a sacrifice,  you have to deal with it, you have to face it like a man, you have to stand by your decision. You have to live with your decision because it’s your decision.

“I have no regrets at all, not one single regret for going to the Olympics and I’d not trade my medal for anything. I deserved it, I worked so hard for it, so why would I trade it for something else?”

Mikel, who joined Chelsea in 2006 after a protracted transfer wrangle that involved Manchester United, remains proud of his time at Stamford Bridge despite not playing a single minute this season and is not fazed by the likelihood of a January exit.

“I’ve been part of the best years at the club, I’ve enjoyed the best part of the club,” he added.

“I was there when we won our first ever Champions League title. I played in the final and I was the man of the match in that final.

“I’ve written my name in the history books of Chelsea. I’ve won loads and loads of trophies, I’ve played close to 400 games for this club.

“I have no single regret, I’ve done it all. But as a player you’re still hungry, you still want to win more with the club. If that’s the way it ends (leaving in January) then that’s it. Players move on. In life you move on. I’m very relaxed about the January transfer window. I’ll speak to the club and we’ll find the best solution.”

When asked why he did not leave Chelsea in the summer despite several reported offers, Mikel replied: “I went to the Olympics and there was no communication about what the situation was, then the transfer window ended.

“The club didn’t  tell me to leave, I didn’t get anything from the club. I have one year left so I decided I didn’t want to leave just like that because I’ve been here for a while, 11 years now. It’s good sometimes to leave when you know you’ve finished your contract and your business there is done.”

Mikel, Iheanacho, other Nigerians fail to make CAF shortlist of African best players.

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The African Football Confederation (CAF) has released the names of five players shortlisted for the 2016 Glo-CAF 2016 African Player of the Year Award.

No Nigerian made the list.

The names of the 5 players according to a statement on the body’s website, cafonline.com are:

1. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon & Borrusia Dortmund)
2. Riyad Mahrez (Algeria & Leicester City)
3. Sadio Mane (Senegal & Liverpool)
4. Mohamed Salah (Egypt & Roma)
5. Islam Slimani (Algeria & Leicester City)

For the African Player of the Year (Based in Africa), the top five are;

1. Khama Billiat (Mamelodi Sundowns & Zimbabwe)
2. Keegan Dolly (Mamelodi Sundowns & South Africa)
3. Rainford Kalaba (TP Mazembe & Zambia)
4. Hlompho Kekana (Mamelodi Sundowns & South Africa)
5. Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns & Uganda)

It said the top five was decided by votes from the members of the CAF Media Committee, CAF Technical and Development Committee and half of the 20-member Panel of Experts (10 persons).

The statement said that for the final phase, votes from the Head Coaches/Technical Directors of the 54 National Associations affiliated to CAF plus Associate Members will be involved.

Also, Reunion Island and Zanzibar, together with the other half of the 20-member Panel of Experts (10 persons) will be counted towards the determination of the eventual winners, it said.

The statement added that the 2016 Glo-CAF Awards Gala, sponsored by telecommunication giants, Globacom, will hold on January 5, 2017 in Abuja, Nigeria.

Super Eagles Captain John Obi Mikel was unable to make the final shortlist, a development pundits said was because of his lack of playing this season at Chelsea.

Mikel Obi, Kelechi Iheanacho of Manchester City and Alex Iwobi of Arsenal Fc of England were nominated for the awards.

Nwankwo Kanu is the last Nigerian to win the prestigious football award in 1996 and 1999 while still playing for Arsenal FC of England.

Mikel Clarifies Comments Credited To Gernot Rohr About Conte

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Super Eagles skipper John Obi Mikel has issued a statement debunking reports that he was punished by Chelsea manager Antonio Conte for representing Nigeria at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in August.

Mikel who was in action for the Super Eagles on Saturday as the Super Eagles beat Algeria 3-1 in Uyo said  Gernot Rohr’s comments over his inactiveness at Chelsea was misconstrued by the media.

The 29-year-old however claimed Chelsea boss Antonio Conte and his club were in support of his participation at the Games.

The statement reads: “I’d like to clarify that the recent media claim that I’ve been punished by Chelsea for participating at the Rio 2016 Olympics are completely inaccurate.

“Unfortunately, comments made by Gernot Rohr before yesterday’s 3-1 win over Algeria were both mistranslated and taken out of context by the Nigerian media as English isn’t Mr Rohr’s or much of the Nigerian media’s first language.

“To be absolute clear, Mr Conte and Chelsea were always in support of my captaincy of the Nigerian team in Rio.

“The manager gave me his full blessing to participate at the Olympics and even encouraged me to bring back the gold medal- something I spoke to the media about that time.

“It goes without saying that there’s nothing but absolute respect between myself, the Nigerian national team and Chelsea FC, something that was demonstrated by Mr Rohr’s recent visit to Cobhams.

“My only focus now is on winning more silverware with Chelsea and getting Nigeria to the 2018 World Cup. Two challenges I can’t wait to face.”

Since arrival from the Rio Olympic Games, Mikel is yet to be listed for the Blues this term and has been linked with several moves in the January window.

Vice President Osinbajo Pays Eagles, Falcons Surprise Visits In Camp

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Nigeria’s Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (GCON) on Tuesday paid a surprise visit to the country’s senior national football teams, Super Eagles and Super Falcons at their respective training sessions at the National Stadium, Abuja.

 

While the Super Falcons are preparing for the 10th Women Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Cameroon 19th November – 3rd December this year, the Super Eagles are getting set for Saturday’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Algeria.

 

The Vice President arrived the practice pitch of the National Stadium, Abuja at about 5.30pm, as the teams were rounding off evening sessions. To the Super Eagles, Vice President Osinbajo said: “I commend you for your patriotism and commitment to the cause of fatherland. By going to Zambia to defeat the Zambians on their own ground for the first time, you have shown your determination to conquer your group and qualify for the World Cup.

 

“I want to assure you that the Government and people of Nigeria are behind you in your quest to qualify for the World Cup. I believe that you will certainly pick the ticket from your group to make it to the World Cup finals.”

 

While Sports Minister Solomon Dalung presented the Super Eagles to the Vice President as a bunch of disciplined and dedicated patriots, NFF President Amaju Pinnick assured Osinbajo that the Eagles will fight hard to qualify for the World Cup.

 

Skipper Mikel John Obi praised Vice President Osinbajo for finding time to spur the team, saying Nigeria has one of the youngest national teams in Africa presently, and Technical Adviser Gernot Rohr declared that as a German, he has brought the German mentality of resilience and perseverance to the team’s camp.

 

To the Super Falcons, Osinbajo said: “I am happy that you girls are the reigning African champions, and I believe you will go to Cameroon and retain your trophy. The whole nation is behind you. You must start by beating Mali and then going all the way so as to bring the Cup back to Nigeria.”

 

Captain Evelyn Nwabuoku thanked the Vice President and promised that the Falcons are committed to retaining their continental title.

5 things we learnt from Zambia vs Nigeria – Ifreke Inyang

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The Super Eagles of Nigeria began their quest to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, with a gritty 2-1 win over Zambia in Ndola on Sunday. But beyond the final result, what else did we learn?

Carl-ing on a pair of safe hands

So when Vincent Enyeama announced he was retiring from international football last year, there was almost a national day of mourning. But in the matches he has played, his replacement Carl Ikeme, has put in very fine displays. And the result on Sunday could have been different, if not for some of his excellent stops.

In Troost we trust

Gernot Rohr could have easily named William Troost-Ekong as the only defender in the team. He was a man mountain. Immense, quick and dedicated to snuffing danger. Kenneth Omeruo was all over for the place for Collins Mbesuma’s goal and the full-backs. No, let’s not talk about them.

The England boys

In the first half when the Super Eagles played some of their best football, there were two standout performers – Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi. It was the Arsenal man who opened scoring, with a sublime volley, while Iheanacho showed great composure to put Nigeria into a two-goal lead.

Captain Obi reporting for duty

Once again, John Mikel Obi, was an irrepressible presence in the centre of midfield for Nigeria. The Chelsea man, who is yet to feature under Antonio Conte, seems to be relishing wearing that armband for his country. He was denied a goal in the encounter by the Zambian goalkeeper.

They continue to roar under Rohr

It’s two in two for the German. And in both games, one can easily see what he is trying to do. The Eagles don’t look leggy and laboured anymore. There is more combination play and you feel with a few more tweaks here and there, Rohr will soon present to us a national team we can boast about again.

‘Ifreke Inyang tweets via @Ifreke

Mikel Obi To Donate His Own Share Of $200,000 Gift From Japanese Surgeon To His Teammates

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After Japanese multi millionaire surgeon Katsuya Takasu kept to his promise by donating $390,000 to Nigeria’s team that won Bronze at Rio 2016, reports now have it that Mikel Obi has agreed to donate part of his own share to his U-23 teammates at the just concluded Rio 2016.

Some earlier reports had revealed that the NFF wanted to take some share of the gift from the surgeon, but the NFF over the weekend dismissed such reports in a series of tweets saying they only wanted to ensure due process.
“Mikel has insisted all of us will get our share of the money. That we should not mind what the people in the NFF are saying.’ one of Nigeria’s Under 23 players told AfricanFootball.
“He will make available this cash when he comes for next month’s AFCON qualifier against Tanzania in Uyo.”
”A team meeting has already resolved that both players and officials will receive equal amount of the cash with Mikel himself agreeing to give part of his own share for the chief coach (Siasia) to get more than the rest of the squad.”
‘The sharing formula agreed was a flat rate for the 22 players (18 accredited players and four alternate players) and 10 officials.”
Mikel earns about £75,000 per week at London club, Chelsea.

FIFA Cancels Yellow Card Shown To Mikel And Two Others Against Denmark

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Three Nigerian players have been given the all clear by FIFA ahead of Nigeria’s semi final game against Germany, after it was confirmed that the cautioned they picked up against Denmark has been wiped out.

The trio of Muenfuh Sincere, Usman Muhammed and team captain Mikel Obi had their caution wiped out, hence will approach the tie against Germany without any fear of a possible booking that

will see them miss the final if they beat the Germans.

FIFA amended it’s tournaments rules few years ago, canceling single yellow cards picked up during quarter final games to stem the tide of key players missing final games due to accumulated bookings.

Going by the rules, only the deputy captain of the Nigerian team Azubuike Okechukwu is suspended for Wednesday semi final clash against Germany, as the booking he picked up against Denmark was his second of the tournament.

I Won’t Go Back To Chelsea Without An Olympic Games Gold Medal – Mikel

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Rio de Janeiro – Nigerians appear to pin hopes in Dream Team VI, going by steady manner that the team has been inching toward the medal zone in the ongoing Rio Olympic Games’ soccer event. Even though the team had been dogged by a myriad of problems, thrown at them by the haphazard manner of preparation for big events including the ongoing Olympics, the team has hardly let that come in between them and victory when it mattered most.
Captain Mikel Captain Mikel “We are ready to die to wrestle the Olympic Gold,’’ members of the Dream team have resolved shortly after they overcame the Danish team to win the ticket to meet the Germans in one of the semi-finals of the soccer event of the Games. Chelsea star player, John Obi Mike, captain of the team and one of the three overage players, said he did not want to return to Chelsea, his club, without an Olympic Games gold medal. He vowed to delay his return to his English Premier League side after helping Nigeria to reach men’s football semi-final against Germany in Sao Paulo on Wednesday.
He added that he was determined to have the Games gold to declare in his luggage. “I hope to go back to Chelsea as the Olympic champion. That is my aim,’’ vowed the 29-year-old Obi, who scored the opener in the 2-0 quarterfinal win over Denmark in Salvador on Aug. 13. “I came out here to do my best to help the team with the gold medal. “That has always been my objective. It’s my aim and the players all want the same. When you have a group of players all wanting to achieve the same thing, hopefully it will go well at the end. “Hopefully, the semi-final will go well on Wednesday and then we will be in the final and win the gold medal’’.
An ex-Eagles’ goalkeeper, South Africa-based Idah Peterside, said the team could defeat Germany when they clash in the semi-final. Peterside said from Johannesburg, that the match would be tough. “ The semi-final against Germany will be tough. We can win the match. We all have to pray for them and wish them well’’. He said the presence of striker Etebo Oghenekaro in the match can boost the country’s chances because he has potential to score goals. “ Etebo`s presence will be a great boost to the team. I hope he is okay and fit for that match,” he said. He noted that the Dream team has recorded great results in the course of the games. “All that matters now is the Gold. I am optimistic that this result is achievable’’.
The team will be certain to have the backing of many lovers of Nigerian brand of soccer because many Brazilians have not forgotten the raw deal they had at the 1996 Atlanta Games, when the original Dream team beat them to gold. The venue of the match, Sao Paulo, will offer a good setting, if the boys can reproduce the sparkle that they have shown since the start of the completion right from the tight and strangulating circumstance that dogged their path to Manaus for the opening match.
In spite of late arrival at the venue of the first match in Manaus, they hit Japan 5-4 to set the tone for a challenging event. They also defeated Sweden, 1-0 but gave a second string side the opportunity to concede 0-2 to Colombia. The result did not upset the balance as the two previous victories were enough to see the team through quarters. With a huge number of Nigerians in Sao Paulo and environs, the National team would not lack vital support to forge ahead.
Although the team did not impress during the last group match against Denmark, losing 0-2 but many said they had since put that behind them since it did not affect the team’s progress to the crucial quarters. Mike Adjuya, a Brazil-based Nigerian soccer agent, said: “I have since forgotten about the loss. Many other Nigerians will be there at the Arena Corinthian to show solidarity to the team.’’ “The team needs us now. We shall be more organised in providing the vital support.
The team will make history. I will be happy to be part of it, ‘’ noted Chinedu Nwosu, a Nigerian and Sao Paulo businessman. “I am confident the Dream Team will prevail. They have Olympic Games’ soccer pedigree. That is what has seen them through to this stage. “I have seen that Nigerian spirit of rising to occasion when a challenge presents itself, especially the many obstacles that have dogged their getting to this stage.
They are fired up now. They have a way of dismantling big soccer nations. “I see a Nigeria-Brazil finals and it will be a good advertisement for World football,’’ noted George Aluo, the Sports Editor of the Sun Newspaper, in Brazil covering the Games. Coach Samson Siasia said he was confident that his boys would deliver. “The dream is a gold medal. This vital possession I want.
I know all my boys want this as well.’’ Mikel reckons that his team has already defied the odds in reaching the last four. “It was a bit frustrating coming down here, but while we were in Atlanta we knew that we had a good shot at getting to the final or winning the tournament.’’ “With the problems we have had getting to this stage, it is just absolutely amazing and we just have to keep going.’’

‘I Was Scared Meeting Terry, Drogba, Shevchenko’ — Mikel

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Nigerian star, John Mikel Obi has revealed that he was consumed with fears on his first day at Chelsea’s dressing room becuase of the presence of superstars, such as John Terry, Michael Ballack, Didier Drogba, Michael Essien and Andrily Shevchenko among others.

The latest edition of the official magazine of the club, known as ‘Chelsea’, features an exclusive interview with John Mikel Obi. The elegant enforcer will reach the 10-year mark in the summer.

In fact, the Nigerian can still remember vividly his first day at our Cobham training round when he joined as a fresh-faced 19-year-old.

‘I came into the dressing room that day literally shaking,’ he recalls. ‘I saw the players that were in there – the likes of John Terry, Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, Claude Makelele, Geremi, Michael Essien, Michael Ballack, Andriy Shevchenko – it was crazy. And I was just 19

‘I was shaking the whole day because I couldn’t talk to any of them. I didn’t know what to say to guys like that. They were really nice guys, but it was scary. It can be tough coming into a dressing room like that as a younger player. You had to earn the right to be among them.’

He has certainly done that over the years, and this season he has played a key role in the Blues’ improved form in the new year. Guus Hiddink has spoken about him in glowing terms and Mikel is pleased with his role in the team.

‘I love doing my defensive duties, but at the same time I love having the ball and always trying to be available so we can play out from the back,’ he said. ‘This is something we’ve talked about, something the manager has stressed – trying to play out from the back so we can always be in control of the game. I think doing this we have much more possession of the ball.

‘I like having the ball and making the team play. When I was young, my natural position wasn’t as a defensive midfielder so maybe that gives me a bit of an edge.’

See Mikel Obi Chilling And Partying Hard With Soon To Be In-Laws #PhotoTalk

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Super Eagles and Chelsea midfielder is showing that even if he can’t command a starting shirt for Chelsea FC , he can command a First team shirt at a Russian Billionaires house. It’s no news that Super Eagles/Chelsea midfielder, Mikel Obi is in love with a Russian lady, and not just any lady at that but one who comes from a very wealthy family.

Mikel Obi’s lady love, Olga Diyachenko celebrated her birthday three weeks ago with her family and of course, her man was there celebrating with her too at the lavish birthday party.
You can tell from the photos that Mikel Obi is loved and has been accepted by Olga’s family!
Check out photos of Mikel Obi’s soon to be Russian in-laws

Olga with her mum and dad

 
Source – kokomansion.com