Many a Nigerian may have been disappointed to see Ivorian and Manchester City’s midfield enforcer, Yaya Toure crowned as Africa’s Footballer of the Year at the expense of John Mikel Obi. One may be tempted not to blame these set of Nigerians who rooted for their own. Their supports for Mikel to emerge as Africa’s best was steeped in patriotism and love for one’s countryman whose sublime skills for both club and country confound a great many.
Most of them must have cast their minds back to 2005 where Obi Mikel dazzled the football fraternity with his composure, finesse, dribbles and pin-point passes that split opponents’ defenses much to the delight of fans and foes alike.
John Mikel Obi was simply awesome for the Sampson Siasia tutored flying Eaglets that finished second behind a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina. He (Mikel) was instrumental to Nigeria’s match to the finals of the 2005 U-23 World Cup so much that he was a heartbeat away from emerging player of the tournament as he watched Lionel Messi claim the honour following his immense contributions that more or less propelled Argentina en route to winning the Cup. Mikel settled for the Silver Ball alongside the Silver Medal with Nigeria after losing 2-1 to Argentina courtesy of two contentious spot kicks dispatched by wonderboy, Lionel Messi.
The former Plateau United player did not allow his appetite for the zenith to be weighed down for finishing second best behind the diminutive but exceptional Messi in the individual accolades. He moved on with his career seemlessly as he attracted interest across Europe.
Prior to the junior World Cup in 2005, he was plying his trade with Lyn Oslo of Belgium, but his superlative performances at the mundial made it difficult for the modest outfit to retain his services. He was summarily snapped up by Manchester United through the instrumentality of the now retired Sir Alex Ferguson. Long time admirers, Chelsea weighed in with a bid, pronto. The youngster was at a crossroad as to which club he should pitch his tent with. He was caught in the web of dilemma that resulted in two English top teams Manchester United and Chelsea intensifying rivalry and put them further at loggerheads.
Obi Mikel was forced to bring his impressionable young nature to bear – his pliable side took the better of him hence his speaking from both sides of the mouth. He came out to tell the whole world that he signed for Man United under duress! Did I hear you say he lied?
Whether he lied or not was/is not the bone of contention. He said his mind. The message was clear that he preferred a move to West London than a stint with the Red Devils. After a protracted transfer saga, Mikel finally had his way. He signed for Chelsea; (his childhood club). But away from the pomp and fanfare that greeted his arrival at Chelsea, it was time to settle down and begin a promising career. With his immense talent, it was thought that he could easily stroll into the first team at Chelsea – it turned out to be a mistaken thought.
With free scoring Frank Lampard firing on all cylinders, battling Germani Captain Michael Ballack still in his prime, Claude Makelele making the holding midfield role his personal fiefdom and Michael Essien’s tireless burst of energy; it was indeed a tough call for the Nigerian.
Jose Maurinho called for the player’s patient. Mikel had to bide his time albeit, reluctantly due to his age and the glaring fact that he was sure of a playing time had he gone to Manchester United. His time on the bench sent tongues wagging and giggling. But with efforts and commitment, Mikel forced his way into the side. His first game was at Reading where he saw red after he latched onto an opponent’s jersey in a bid to retrieve possession. It took the ‘fatherly’ intervention of Didier Drogba for Mikel to leave the pitch as he couldn’t come to terms with his marching orders. Having learnt his lessons, the young Nigerian grew both in discipline and maturity. Hence with the departure of Claude Makalele, Mikel slotted into the holding role – a role alien to him. He had little or no choice as there absolutely was no way he could have dislodged Frank Lampard from the offensive role.
Mikel huffed and puffed in his new role week in, week out. He was quick to get in the books as a result of mistimed tackles. Infact, he hardly completed a match without being yellow carded i.e. if not outright dismissal.
But Jose Maurinho’s faith in the young but talented Nigerian started yielding dividends with time. The rough tackles and peccadilloes that characterized his game reduced drastically. He played with more confidence and read the game better. In no time, he stamped his authority at xw6. He became an integral part of the West London outfit. But, like his predecessor, goal scoring was not part of his game. Little wonder he has managed just four strikes in his eight years romance with Chelsea.
This is where Yaya Toure has the edge. The Ivorian is prolific in goal scoring and consistency especially for his club Manchester City. The lanky but energetic Toure has recently added free-kicks to his rich talent. He has scored a couple of times this season for his club. The foregoing are just few ingredients lacking in Mikel’s game. He nodded in Chelsea’s opener at Derby country in the FA cup a fortnight ago. One hopes he keeps the form – more so as he will be expected to lead Nigeria in Brazil. All he needed do is overcome his scoring phobia and knowing when to charge forward. Since talent and age is still on his side, Mikel can surely fulfill the huge potential he showed in 2005.
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