Tailwind news that Super Eagles’ star midfielder, John Mikel Obi, is on the verge of tying the nuptial knot might be just a ruse after all, following a frank conversation with The Nation Sport & Style which was facilitated by one of his long-trusted confidants.
Mikel, Africa’s second best footballer, has been romantically linked to a bevy of Nigerian beauties and had featured repeatedly on the list of the most eligible bachelors in the country. Recently, the social media was buzzing over news that the Chelsea’s Nigerian star has finally made up his mind to settle down with a Russian beauty in spite of alleged dalliances with some Nigeria’s stunning models.
First it was Nollywood gal, Rita Dominic, that the rumour mill said she was dragging Mikel to the altar after they posed together in a photograph taken in London. On Rita’s heels came delectable Sandra Okagbue who has been face of Delta Soap since 2010.
Mired in the marriage mess, a bewildered Mikel expressed his indignation in an interview syndicated on Sports Focus anchored by Kayode Tijani
“I know normal people don’t go through what I am going through now when it concerns finding a wife to marry, normal people don’t at all,” Mikel said. “Believe me it’s so difficult, very difficult, it’s so difficult you just have to leave it to God.
“ To find someone who truly loves you, there might be someone who really loves me truly for who I am but I may not be aware, but maybe you don’t know but you may think she’s one of those people that love you for who you are or what you have, because of your money. But maybe she’s there for you, you never know, you get so confused now I have decided I will just leave it to God to decide who I get married to,” he noted
But in his major interview since the 2013 African Footballer of the Year Gala early this month, Mikel has categorically stated that marriage was not yet on his mind even as he kept the identity of the woman of his dream close to his chest.
“I can’t say (when I’m going to get married) because that is not on my agenda now but when God says it is time, it will happen,” confessed Mikel to The Nation Sport & Style. “I don’t want to talk about that (searching for would-be wife) now, it is a private matter.”
Yet, Mikel is still revelling in the joy of winning the UEFA Champions League at the expense of Bayern Munich in Munich in 2012, picking that as his best moment ever since fate led him to the Stamford Bridge after a protracted transfer tussle with Manchester United soon after he helped Nigeria win silver medal at the 2005 FIFA World Under-20 Youth Championship in Holland. Excerpts…
You scored a goal in a Cup game against Derby County, how do you feel since you don’t score often?
It was nice. Great feeling. It was an important goal for us because we needed to win; it was in the second half, so the goal opened the door for us. I was happy.
When you score, the celebration is always different from that of your teammates, what do you have to say about that?
(Laughter) May be because I’m not a regular scorer and the fans usually urge me to celebrate.
Are you looking forward to scoring more goals for Chelsea?
I do wish to score but I’m not under pressure to score. My role doesn’t give me such chance but when I have the chance I’ll try to get it. I think I will get more, but above all, I am always happy to contribute to my team’s success whenever I am on. Team success is paramount for us here.
Talking about winning trophies, you have won almost all the trophies one can think of at club level, what is your target this season?
Chelsea is a team that encourages you to win trophy. That is the mentality here and it is good for us. It has become a habit. I think we can win every trophy we are playing in.
Chelsea beat Manchester United 3-1 last weekend, does that result send signal that Chelsea will win the league?
No, we still have a lot of games to play. We are in contention and getting such result against a contender is a good one for us.
When is the wedding bell going to ring?
(Laughter) I can’t say, because that is not in my agenda now but when God says it is time it will happen.
Are you still searching or you already have your Miss Right, with reports linking you to many ladies?
I don’t want to talk about that now, it is private. (Laughter)
You won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Super Eagles last year, how are you looking forward to Brazil 2014?
They are different competitions. I was happy to win my first Nations Cup gold medal last year. I am looking forward to a very impressive performance at the World Cup. I believe we will do well.
Any target?
No. We will know when the competition starts.
Who motivates you more at Chelsea?
A lot of players that I met there. Drogba, Essien made me feel at home because of the African brotherhood. Terry is nice, Lampard too. I also learnt a lot from Maka (Makalele).
How do you like to dress?
I dress based on where I am going. The occasion determines what I wear but I love it simple and smart.
