Osimhen Will Excel If He Joins Chelsea –Mikel

Former Nigerian international, Mikel Obi has advised Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen to choose Chelsea ahead of Man United.

Mikel, who was part of the Super Eagles squad that lifted the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, made this known in the latest episode of The Obi One podcast.


The former Chelsea star noted that Osimhen will excel as a player if he joins the Blues next summer.

I think he [Victor Osimhen] does slot seamlessly into the Premier League. He got the tools to be a success in England,” Mikel said in the latest episode of The Obi One podcast.

Read Also: NPFL: Remo Stars Boss Ogunmodede Reacts To Victory Against Rangers

“When I look back at him a few years ago, I would say ‘no.’ But now watching him last season and watching him this season, I would say definitely.

“He would come into the Premier League and he would slot right in. He would get you goals, he would run behind defenders, he would stretch the team. And I think this is what probably when you look at a lot of the teams now in Premier League, that’s what they’re looking for. A striker who can run. Who wants to run behind the defenders because then it helps your team. Doesn’t it? He stretches the defenders, the game becomes open and then you can create chances. And I think that’s what Victor [Osimhen] would definitely give you.


“I hope you come to Chelsea. But from noises that I hear, he is a big United. But I hope he comes to Chelsea really.”


Personal life

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. 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.