Ben Ugbana. Mikel rejoined Stoke City in August 2020 after returning to England and later moved on to Kuwait SC before announcing his retirement on September 27, 2022. Nigeria became the first ever country to win all three medals at the Olympic Games with the 1996 squad winning the gold and 2008 squad winning the silver. 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. Other than winning a bronze medal with Nigeria at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, most of Mikel John Obi's success came while playing for Chelsea from 2006 to 2017. A long, drawn out transfer ended up costing the Blues 16million &# [83][84] On 27 September 2022, Mikel announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 35. He is one of the most talented and successful Nigerian players of his time. A post shared by Olga Diy (@olga_allegra) Their relationship has progressed since then, and the duo welcomed a set of female twins named Mia and Ava. Mikel moved back to England in August 2020 joining Stoke City. John Mikel Obi net worth is $50 million making him one of tyhe richest footballers in Africa. Speaking in 2016, however, Mikel said,"People change in any walk of life, maybe he [Mourinho] decided he wanted to do better in a different way and he didn't need me anymore. Lionel Messi of Argentina is surrounded by Nigeria players during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group D match between Nigeria and Argentina at Saint. 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. And I had [former Chelsea owner] Roman Abramovich on the other side, putting me up in London, hiding me somewhere where only a few people knew where I was. Karrir. Mikel John Obi - Player profile | Transfermarkt Recall that the former . "[54] Mikel's strong performances in the final stages of the season and his impressive display in Munich helped Chelsea secure Champions League football next season despite finishing in sixth place, knocking London rivals Tottenham into the UEFA Europa League. Following Chelseas refusal to renew his contract, John Obi Mikel left the English club on a free transfer the following day and joined the Chinese team Tianjin TEDA. He spent two years in China before returning to England on a temporary deal with, in August 2020 after returning to England and later moved on to. 760471449207345156. has quality. John Obi Mikel. RIF Trust unlocks your potential! Mikel was born in Jos to Pa Michael Obi, a retired civil servant and mother, Mrs Irosu Obi, a businesswoman. Mikel Obi Childhood Story Plus Untold Biography Facts - LifeBogger [88] Mikel cited an injury, but because he did not attend an independent check by Nigerian officials, he was dropped. John Obi Mikel | GiveMeSport Africa Cup of Nations: 2013; third place: 2006, 2010, 2019, 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship Silver Ball, CAF Most Promising Talent of the Year: 2005, Chelsea Young Player of the Year: 2007, 2008, Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament: 2013, African Footballer of the Year runner-up: 2013. He gained notoriety after representing Nigeria at the FIFA Under-17 World Championships held in Finland under the name John Obi Mikel. These guys their lives depended on the decision I was making. Just to give them a chance, you know? [74][75] He made his Stoke debut on 13 September 2020 in a 00 draw away at Millwall. Adesanya admits medical treatment after Pereira KO - The Sun. Mikel John Obi - Squad number history | Transfermarkt ! Scouts noticed Obi and he was chosen to play for Plateau United, a top-flight team that had previously produced talents like Celestine Babayaro, Victor Obinna, and Chris Obodo, who eventually had success in European leagues. Hazard penned a five-year deal with Los Blancos in the summer of 2019 for a hefty fee, but he has so far failed to make a real impression at the Bernabeu following a number of injuries and setbacks. John Mikel Obi and Victor Moses lead celebrations with team mates with the trophy after winning the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations Final match between. New to Naijabiography? Footballer | Philanthropist | Entrepreneur, Born: April 22nd, 1987 (35 yrs) | Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, is a former retired Nigerian footballer. Following the tournament, Mikel failed to return to Lyn, whereupon the club subsequently lodged a complaint with FIFA. His record of achievements as a soccer player has made him a sought-after personality today and added some figures to his bank account. [71], In the summer of 2019, Mikel joined Trabzonspor on a two-year contract with the option of a further year. [17] FIFA dismissed these claims in August 2005, stating there was insufficient evidence to bring a case against Chelsea. RIF Trust is the leading international citizenship by investment advisory firm and it was important . Later known as John Obi Mikel, he made headlines for his country at the FIFA Under-17 World Championships held in Finland. 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I dont believe its true that Mikel doesnt want to join Manchester United; I believe he has been forced to say it, the legendary manager said. In subsequent games, Mourinho deployed Mikel as a starter in a holding role in key games where he impressed greatly, notably in the ChelseaTottenham Hotspur FA Cup sixth round replay, the Champions League quarter-final games against Valencia, the Champions League semi-final games against Liverpool and also the victorious 2007 FA Cup Final against Manchester United. In 2017, his annual salary was valued at 7.28 million pounds, then upon joining Trabzonspor his earnings moved to 1.5 million pounds per season (N607 million) per season. After signing for the club in 2006, Mikel lifted every major honour during his time with the Blues, including two Premier League titles, the Champions League and the Europa League. News Corp is a network of leading companies in the worlds of diversified media, news, education, and information services. Look, I wasn't really kidnapped. Don't we all miss this Chelsea? He wanted me to go to Manchester United because he loved Alex Ferguson. Transfer tribulations: When Nigeria's John Mikel Obi made headlines in If I went to Chelsea, they were going to have a career. Lionel Messi scores for Argentina against Nigeria at the 2014 World Cup, with Mikel John Obi second from right in the wall. 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. She is a Writer, Content creator whos interested in Gender Equality, Women Empowerment, Lifestyle and Food. Founded on January 22, 1995, THISDAY is published by THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LTD., 35 Creek Road Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria with offices in 36 states of Nigeria , the Federal Capital Territory and around . Show this thread. Further substance was added to this claim after it was revealed that the player had impressed Chelsea manager Jos Mourinho while training with the club's first-team squad during the summer of 2004. Olga only gained wide popularity after she met Mikel Obi. Brothers please help me Im the only son of my parents my name is chime christian chinyeaka Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel father kidnapped for ransom during World Cup John Obi Mikel - Wikipedia When provided, we also incorporate private tips and feedback received from the celebrities or their representatives. . Mikel's agents were bypassed as the club persuaded the youngster to sign a four-year contract without representation. On 12 September 2006, Mikel made his first start for Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League against Bulgarian club Levski Sofia and took a powerful shot which the goalkeeper failed to save and Didier Drogba pounced on the rebound. John Mikel Obi investment interest is also quite noticeable. In a 14-year international career between 2005 and 2019, he played 91 times for Nigeria, scoring six goals. Reports said the deal was initially worth 4million,[11] and would see the player arrive at Old Trafford in January 2006. He was named by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in the team of the tournament alongside teammates Vincent Enyeama, Efe Ambrose, Victor Moses and Emmanuel Emenike. It was like a movie. Nigeria captain John Mikel Obi got a ransom demand for his - CNN Lyn descended deeper into financial problems in the seasons that followed issues that were not as a direct result of the Mikel case and filed for . Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel has officially retired from football at the age of 35. Arsenal 0-1 Bournemouth LIVE: Billing scores inside TEN SECONDS as visitors strike early, Arsenal 'stunned' as Bournemouth score second-fastest goal in PL history, Wolves v Tottenham LIVE: Neto returns for hosts, Son starts for Spurs who drop Richarlison, Haaland loses his head and causes melee after barging Newcastle star in feisty clash, Chelsea vs Leeds: Potter drops Mudryk as Blues seek huge home win, Gordon air-balls 'embarrassing' shot in first Newcastle start since 45m transfer, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window). The midfielder, who retired last . John Obi Mikel left Trabzonspor by mutual agreement, but the cloud above him was made up of criticisms he levelled at the Turkish Super Lig for playing on during the coronavirus pandemic. Prior to being selected for the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations team, he did not play for the national team once more. verified account or profile. "Eden Hazard is the laziest footballer I have ever seen in my life" - John Mikel Obi. There's people proper boxing at the training ground because everybody wants to be in the team come the weekend. John Obi Mikel to Manchester United: What really happened before He entered the second game against Zimbabwe, nevertheless, early in the second half. Mikel John Obi is the brother of Ebele Obi . "[6][107] Michael Obi was found alive on 22 August 2011, in the Nigerian city of Kano. Mikel was assigned a security guard and moved to a safe hotel. He hails from Anambra state, Eastern Nigeria but was brought up in Northern Nigeria. Mikel featured in 28 Premier League campaigns for Chelsea as the London side finished in second place, nine points behind champions Manchester United. Mikel John Obi - Wikipedia In a 2-0 victory over Denmark on August 13, 2016, Mikel scored his first-ever Olympic goal to help his team advance to the semifinals. 121 John Mikel Obi Feature Premium High Res Photos However, four months after leaving the Potters last summer, he had his contract with Kuwait Sporting Club torn up. Mikel Obi's Mansion in London - YouTube Suas principais caractersticas so o bom passe de longa distncia, as enfiadas de bola e os chutes de fora da rea. [53] Following his performance, Mikel told reporters that it was "best night of our lives. Mikel John Obi, reflecting on his bizarre transfer saga.[9]. All rights reserved. NOW THE HARD WORK CAN BEGIN | Sahara Reporters Transfer history . Ex-Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel explains why a decision to reject [53] Chelsea played a tough defensive battle and Mikel was hailed by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp as playing an excellent game, putting in "a performance that I didn't think he had in him; he was putting out fires everywhere," as Chelsea claimed a 43 victory in the penalty shootout. You know what made my mind up? John Obi Mikel - Wikipedia Mikel John Obi. Mikel Once Again Comes To The Rescue Of Nigeria Football Team - Sports He was just 18 and was being pulled in various directions. John Obi Mikel: the unsung hero every team must have: Unfortunately, Mourinho left the club, before he could truly develop the teenage sensation. Date. On 20 August, Mikel helped Nigeria to the bronze medal in a 32 victory over Honduras. How Mikel John Obi's tumultuous move to Chelsea launched the careers of Nigeria: John Obi Mikel - Soccer Politics / The Politics of Football Mikel was also sent off in the semi-final of the League Cup against Everton for a challenge on Phil Neville. [31] Mikel provided another assist for a Drogba goal in a 50 win over FA Cup finalists and relegated side Portsmouth on 24 March, as Chelsea cut United's lead at the top of the table to one point. Stoke City manager Michael O'Neill confirmed that . He then proceeded to a tryout at a South African club, Ajax Cape Town, ultimately joining Oslo-based club Lyn Football in Norway after the competition. John Mikel Obi joined Kuwait Sporting Club in the summer when his Potters contract, which had a year left on it, was canceled by mutual consent. "I actually think, when you look at him now, he's lost a little weight," he said. He has an estimated net worth of $10 million. [103], 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. Di biggest highlights of Mikel career come wit di 11 trophy wey im win for di years wey e spend for . [34], Under new manager Carlo Ancelotti, Mikel continued to perform with efficiency in his defensive midfield role, notching 35 appearances for the Blues. John Obi Mikel: Why did he play under a false name? [70] He was released by Middlesbrough at the end of the 201819 season. [72], It was announced on 17 March 2020, that Mikel had left Trabzonspor by mutual consent, days after expressing his concerns about the Turkish Super Lig continuing amid the global coronavirus pandemic. And while that was his only official Super . He likes his food. Turkish Football Federation player ID. United agreed to terminate their agreement and the Blues got their man, though had to pay their rivals 12m, with 4m going to Lyn Oslo. And we're like, 'No, we're not passing you the ball because we've been running the whole time. Former Nigeria international John Mikel Obi has retired from football at the age of 35, declaring himself "very satisfied with all I was able to achieve" during 18 years in the game. 145Disclaimer: Every Nairaland member is solely responsible for anything that he/she posts or uploads on Nairaland. In 2005, it was announced that he would sign with Manchester United, but days later, Chelsea also issued a similar announcement that they had come to an agreement with Mikel. In 2016, before Mikel moved to China, he again changed his name, with the midfielder this time taking the lead and re-organising his name as 'Mikel John Obi'. [57], Mikel was charged with misconduct by the Football Association (FA) on 22 November 2012. Mikel's career began when he was chosen for the Pepsi Football Academy at the age of 12 and went on to play for Nigeria at the FIFA Under-17 World Championships. John Michael Nchekwube Obinna (born 22 April 1987), popularly known as Mikel John Obi, is a former retired Nigerian footballer. Submit a correction suggestion and help us fix it. Chelsea then faced Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16. However, he was introduced into the second game against Zimbabwe early in the second half. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In 2006, he transferred to Chelsea amidst rumours from Manchester United that he had already been bought. ", Mikel Obi reveals how Jose Mourinho converted him to a defensive midfielder. Where does John Obi Mikel go now? | Goal.com Nigeria John Obi Mikel is one of the greatest football players to have ever come out of Nigeria. In September 2006, Obi made his Chelsea debut against the Bulgarian club Levski Sofia in a UEFA Champions League encounter. Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Properties / Chelsea Estate In Ajah Lagos: John Mikel Obi Is Building It (52817 Views), Construction f Duplex + Flats At Ajah, Lagos / Construction Of Six Unit Of 2 Bedroom Flat At Lekki Ajah Lagos State. Rather than leaving FIFA to determine the validity of the contract signed with Manchester United, Chelsea intervened by volunteering to settle the transfer saga through negotiation with Lyn and Manchester United. Mikel joined a press conference with Manchester United and eventually signed a deal with the European club. Read on and find more information about John Obi Mikel's net worth . John Obi Mikel's surprise Stoke move will benefit both club and player 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. In 2019, he returned to England to play for Middlesbrough, and in July 2019, he joined Trabzonspor. Following this, Chelsea paid 12 million Euros to Manchester United in two halves and paid Lyn 4 million Euros. "I never knew how much training meant to these guys until I joined Chelsea," Mikel said. 1:50. . He is often regarded as one of the most decorated footballers in Nigerian football history. John Obi Mikel says former Chelsea teammate Eden Hazard was the 'laziest footballer he's ever seen' before describing what he was like in training. 195,950. Mikel John Obi (born John Michael Nchekwube Obinna; 22 April 1987) is a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a defensive midfielder. Within ten minutes of coming on, he had supplied both the corner that resulted in Christian Obodo heading the game's opening goal, and scored Nigeria's second goal. Mikel had been called up for the under-23 side in preparation of the team's last Olympic qualifier on 26 March 2008, needing a win to qualify. Mikel John Obi was told that his father had been kidnapped and would be killed if he reported anything - just hours before he led Nigeria into their final World Cup group phase tie against Argentina Mikel Obi was born on the 22nd of April 1987 in Jos, Nigeria. Nairalanders sha, una ITK too much. start time. But one transfer stands out. Alcaraz 'really sad' after withdrawing from Acapulco with hamstring strain - Yahoo Mikel is a Super Eagles icon. It was really confusing, and I was a kid, you know?, FIFA said: Listen, we know youre young and you have these two clubs fighting over you. [45] Mikel came close to claiming his first Premier League goal for Chelsea in an inspired game as the sides played out a 00 draw in new coach Andr Villas-Boas' first game in charge. The 31-year-old was a free agent after leaving Chinese side Tianjin TEDA. Mikel Obi Childhood Story - Early Life and Family Background: For his Biography starters, John Michael Nchekwube Obinna, known as John Obi Mikel, John Mikel Obi or Mikel John Obi was born on the 22nd of April 1987. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); John Michael Nchekwube Obinna Obi, professionally known as John Mikel Obi is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a defensive Midfielder for Stoke City. label.tablePlayerRecords. "World Cup 2018: John Mikel Obi calls for greater security in Nigeria following father's kidnapping", "Nigeria's captain got a ransom demand for his kidnapped father hours before a World Cup game", "Games played by Mikel John Obi in 2006/2007", "Games played by Mikel John Obi in 2007/2008", "Games played by Mikel John Obi in 2008/2009", "Games played by Mikel John Obi in 2009/2010", "Games played by Mikel John Obi in 2010/2011", "Games played by Mikel John Obi in 2011/2012", "Games played by Mikel John Obi in 2012/2013", "Games played by Mikel John Obi in 2013/2014", "Games played by Mikel John Obi in 2014/2015", "Games played by Mikel John Obi in 2015/2016", "Games played by Mikel John Obi in 2016/2017", "Games played by Mikel John Obi in 2017/2018", "Games played by Mikel John Obi in 2018/2019", "Games played by Mikel John Obi in 2019/2020", "Games played by Mikel John Obi in 2020/2021", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mikel_John_Obi&oldid=1139991964, Nigeria under-20 international footballers, Nigerian expatriate sportspeople in Norway, Nigerian expatriate sportspeople in England, Nigerian expatriate sportspeople in China, Nigerian expatriate sportspeople in Turkey, Nigerian expatriate sportspeople in Kuwait, Articles with dead external links from September 2018, Articles with permanently dead external links, Wikipedia indefinitely semi-protected biographies of living people, Articles using Template:Medal with Winner, Pages using national squad without sport or team link, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, *Club domestic league appearances and goals, This page was last edited on 17 February 2023, at 22:19. Mikel aiming to turn tables 13 years after Messi took his Golden Ball Amidst growing unrest, Chelsea owner Todd Boehly reportedly still heavily backs Graham Potter. Under the terms of this agreement, Chelsea agreed to pay United 12million, half paid upon the finalization of the contract and the other half in June 2007, and Lyn 4million, half payable immediately and half in June 2007. Although Mikel Obi lives in London with his partner- Olga Dyachenko and his two children, it would be quite absurd not to have a home to call his own here in Nigeria. He is often regarded as one of the most decorated footballers in Nigerian football history. 22 April 1987. Admittedly, Tony . Twitter user numeric ID.