The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Mikel

  • MIKEL CONFESSES ON TWITTER: I wished I had played for Sir Alex

    MIKEL CONFESSES ON TWITTER: I wished I had played for Sir Alex

    SUPER Eagles midfielder, John Mikel Obi, has confessed that he had wished he played for retiring Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson.

    Recall Mikel was a subject of a transfer tussle between Chelsea and Man United after the Red Devils announced that it had struck a deal with the Norwegian club Lyn Oslo to sign the player.

    United also claimed that they had done a deal directly with the teen Nigerian and that he had signed a contract to join them. Mikel’s agents, John Shittu was bypassed as the club persuaded the youngster to sign a 4-year contract without representation. Lyn Oslo allegedly sent a fax to his agents abroad, claiming their services were no longer required by Mikel.

    Mikel who took to his Twitter page on Thursday to pay tribute to the man who redefined the landscape of British football as he won 49 trophies for the Red Devils with 27years in charge.

    @MikelObi_12: “SAF !! You’re forever a Legend !!wish I worked with you even only 4 a week !!!

    Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez informed that Mikel may be fit to play this weekend.

    “Mikel who has been out for about two weeks with a hip injury was in training, which is good news,” explained the Spaniard.

    However there was injury concerns over Victor Moses, who hobbled off during Chelsea’s open training session on Thursday as the Blues prepare for Aston Villa.

    “Victor Moses was limping a little bit,” Benitez added.

  • Chelsea vs Tottenham Mikel still in pains

    Chelsea vs Tottenham Mikel still in pains

    Nigerian out of Spurs’ tie

    Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez has revealed that the Super Eagles midfielder John Obi Mikel is still nursing pain and will play no part in today’s Premier League clash against Tottenham at the Stamford Bridge.

    Banitez confirmed Eden Hazard will be available to face to face Spurs but Ryan Bertrand has been also ruled out too.

    All three missed the 1-0 win at Old Trafford but Hazard returns to the squad against Spurs after picking up a calf injury against Basel five days ago.

    Oriol Romeu, who has not played since suffering ligament damage against Sunderland in December, could make the bench.

    “Hazard was training in a normal training session. He is fine, he is in the squad,” Benitez said.

    “Mikel is not available, he is still in some pain. Bertrand is not available with a problem with his knee, nothing serious.

    “Oriol Romeu could be available if I ask him because he is training really well. He is pushing in every training session. He is training so well we are considering playing him.

    “I think it’s important to manage the squad and important for them. It doesn’t matter if you pick one or the other, they all want to win and be a part of the important games.”

  • 2014 WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS: Kenya keep tab on Mikel, Moses, others

    2014 WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS: Kenya keep tab on Mikel, Moses, others

     Four axed from Stars squad

     Harambe to  name foreign-based Stars next week

    KENYA’S Harambee Stars assistant coach, James Nandwa says the coaching crew are keeping tabs on the performance of Super Eagles stars in Europe as they prepare for the 2014 World Cup qualifiers 2nd leg clash against Nigeria in

    According to him, “We are aware of the changes they have made in the squad, we know that they will train outside Nigeria, probably Europe because the bulk of the players are professionals based there. From there, they will fly directly to Nairobi,” he explained.

    Meanwhile, four players have been dropped from the Harambee Stars squad gearing for the June 5 2014 World Cup qualifier against Nigeria on Tuesday by head coach Adel Amrouche.

    Tusker FC forward Ismail Dunga, Sofapaka midfielder David Owino and Thika United pair Daniel Mwaura and David Kingatua have been axed from the team.

    Nandwa confirmed the changes as he said injuries have knocked out Dunga and Owino, while Mwaura and Kingatua “need to take a break”.

    At the same time Eugene Asike and John Njuguna, both of Sofapaka, Sher Karuturi’s Andrew Murunga, Edwin Lavatsta (Gor Mahia) and Boniface Onyango of City Stars have been called up to fill the void.

    “Those are the only changes in the team so far, the rest of the players called up when we started training remain in the team,” Nandwa added.

    He als informed that the foreign-based legion for Stars is expected to be named by next week.

    Stars, who embarked on non-residential training on April 27, under Amrouche, are determined to book a ticket to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

  • Mikel, other Eagles stars bag award

    Mikel, other Eagles stars bag award

    SportingLife too

    AFCON 2013 Super Eagles stars of John Mikel Obi, Emmenuel Emenike, Austin Ejide, Obiora Nwankwo, Azubike Egwuekwe and assistant coach of the team, Sylvanus Okpala ‘Quicksilver’ were at the weekend honoured for their briliant showing at the Nations Cup in South Africa.

    The awards packaged by Anambra State Football Association and NEROS Pharmaceuticals Limited in honour of Super Eagles players from the state. Okpala, on behalf of the Eagles stars, thanked the initiators of the awards on behalf of others and said such will spur them to higher heights.

    Media awards were also presented to some media houses for their distinguished role for the success of this year’s edition. The Best Radio station (on the championship coverage) went to Blaze FM Oraifite, Best TV station (on the championship coverage) went to Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), the Best News feature on Radio went to Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Ikenna Nwokedi of UNIZIK FM won the Best presenter for the period of the championship while Ifeanyi Eneh of Radio Nigeria Awka (Purity FM) won the most dedicated presenter. Also, Guardian Newspaper won the best National Newspaper for the coverage of 2013 NEROS Pharmaceuticals Anambra State FA Cup, SportingLife and SoccerStar came joint best in the cadre of Daily Sports Newspapers.

  • MIKEL TO ATTEND ESSIEN’S CHARITY GAME

    MIKEL TO ATTEND ESSIEN’S CHARITY GAME

    SUPER EAGLES midfielder, John Obi Mikel, Petr Cech and Paulo Ferreira have all confirmed their participation in Michael Essien’s charity game in June.

    The Ghana midfielder will be hosting several world class footballers to his second charity game on June 8 dubbed: “The Game of Hope and Inspiration”.

    The game which will take place at the Accra Sports Stadium is to raise funds for five charities yet to be determined.

    Amongst a host of world superstars including Real Madrid ace; Cristiano Ronaldo will line up against the finest players from the Africa continent in a World XI vrs Africa XI match.

    Chelsea trio; Mikel, Cech and Ferreira, friends of Essien have also confirmed their participation in the grand event to hit the Ghanaian capital.

    “I support the game of hope for two reasons; first is the reason of the game itself and second is Michael as a person, he is very generous guy, always positive with a smile on his face and he can spread this amongst the other people.

    “Games like these can always give hope to everyone and show that there is still unity amongst the people towards the difficulties in our world,” Petr Cech said in a promotional video for the charity game.

    “It is really important for us players to give something back and I think what he is doing is amazing and it is fantastic,” Ferreira added.

    “To give back to society, to the country, to where you come from ….. and I think Michael has been doing this for the past years and if there is any way I can support I will do my best,” Mikel also said in the video.

    The charity match is the second organized by the Ghana international since being appointed as an ambassador for peace by the African Union.

    Essien organized a similar event which pulled an impressive crowd at the Accra Sports Stadium in 2011.

    This year’s event will feature a musical concert which has multi American award winner Wyclef Jean performing alongside other international musical icons.

  • EXPERTS BLAME MIKEL FOR CHELSEA’S POOR PLAY

    EXPERTS BLAME MIKEL FOR CHELSEA’S POOR PLAY

    •Says Eagles star provides

    less tackles, fewer blocks

    •Less interceptions, fewer passes too

     

    NIGERIA’S John Obi Mikel poor run in Chelsea midfield may be blamed for lack of spark in the midfield despite their 1-0 win over Manchester United in Monday’s 6th round replay at Stamford Bridge.

    According to reports coming out of London, the Nigerian international that was at a centre of controversy following his move from Lyn Oslo to the English Premier League in 2006 have not played at his best especially his back-pass moves in the current campaign.

    “John Mikel Obi was meant to be the future of Chelsea when they won a controversial transfer battle with Manchester United to sign the Nigerian midfielder in 2006, and his performances in the 2009-10 title winning season justified that claim.

    “He doesn’t seem to have kicked on, though – as evidenced by his relegation to the second choice side Rafa Benitez picked at Southampton to protect his star players for the FA Cup clash with Manchester United.

    “Still only 25, his Opta stats for this season compared to three years ago show less tackles, less blocks, less interceptions and fewer passes in the final third. Is it one of the reasons Chelsea have lost ground in the Premier League…,” queried MailOnline experts while running through last weekend’s football actions.

  • Mikel denies marriage plan talks

    Mikel denies marriage plan talks

    Declares I know Sandra, but we never discussed marriage!

    Nigeria midfielder John Mikel Obi is bristling at reports that he is about to get married to model Sandra Okugbue.

    A national tabloid reported on Monday that Mikel was set to wed the former toilet soap model, but the midfielder angrily dismissed the claims.

    “I don’t understand where this is coming from,” Mikel told KickOffNigeria.com on Monday.

    “I know her. We’re friends, but we haven’t spoken in a long time and definitely not about marriage.”

    The report claimed that the traditional introduction has been scheduled for this Sunday in Onitsha, but Mikel was firmly categorical in his dismissal “There’s nothing like that,” he said.

    Mikel played in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Kenya on Saturday, and joined the rest of the squad in attending a reception held in honour of their African Nations Cup triumph by Akwa Ibom State governor Godswill Akpabio on Sunday in Uyo.The midfielder flew out to London later that night.

     

  • KESHI CONFIRMS: Mikel, Moses in town Tuesday

    KESHI CONFIRMS: Mikel, Moses in town Tuesday

    Super Eagles Chief Coach told SportingLife yesterday that Chelsea Football Club of England stars Mikel Obi and Victor Moses will storm Calabar tomorrow.

    The Coach disclosed that in a routine check on his players the two England based players promised to hit Calabar on Tuesday on time to participate in the evening training of the team.

    “Mikel and Moses have told me that they would be in Calabar unfailingly on Tuesday. They have promised to be there on time to participate in the evening training of the team”, Keshi told SportingLife yesterday.

    The former Togo and Mali coach also confirmed the availability of other players that will arrive in Nigeria today. Players like Ahmed Musa, Elderson Echijile and Brown Ideye are expected to arrive in Nigeria tomorrow (today).

    “I also expect Ahmed Musa, Elderson Echiejile, Brown Ideye and others to join us if possible in Abuja tomorrow (today) if they arrive on time before we depart for Calabar tomorrow (today).

    “The plan is that players that have matches yesterday (Saturday) and today (Sunday) should be in Nigeria latest Monday (today) and tomorrow (Tuesday). So any player that arrives on time tomorrow (today) will travel with us to Calabar tomorrow (today) while others would definitely join us in Calabar. We hope to start training on time if time permits Monday evening for the all important match. We are leaving no stone unturned to have a successful outing come this Saturday”, Keshi vowed.

  • Mikel: Crowd will help us over West Ham

    Mikel: Crowd will help us over West Ham

    In the first clash between Chelsea and West Ham on December 1, 2012, Mikel Obi and his teammates controlled the first half but were bullied into submission by a more physical West Ham in the second half led by Mohammed Diame .

    And as they face their neighbours on Saturday, Mikel believes the support at Stamford Bridge will help them overcome.

    “They are a very strong and physical team and one we have to watch out for. Diame is a very physical and quick player,” Mikel told the London Standard.

    “He has toughness in him, but their team is like that overall. Andy Carroll, if he plays, what a physical presence he is for them.

    “We were so in control the last time we played them, but then they started kicking the ball and making it more difficult for us.

    “Their players were always jumping in and looking for the second ball.

    “The way we play, we like to pass the ball, but Sunday we are at home and the fans will keep supporting the players and make sure we get a win.”

  • CHELSEA VS STEAUA BUCURESTI: Mikel to start

    CHELSEA VS STEAUA BUCURESTI: Mikel to start

    Super Eagles midfielder, John Obi Mikel, has been tipped for Chelsea’s starting shirt in today’s Europa League cracker against Steaua Bucuresti at Stamford Bridge unlike compatriot, Victor Moses who is expected to start from the bench.

    Chelsea lost by a penalty goal to the Romanians in the first leg seven days ago and will be eager to cancel out the lead in today tricky tie.

    Reports coming out of England suggest Spanish boss, Rafa Benitez was not too impressed with Moses performance in the FA Cup 2-2 draw against Manchester United but was largely satisfied with Mikel’s professional show after coming off the bench.

    “Cech had a terrible game against Man United and the stopper will be hoping to keep the goals out when Steaua come visiting.

    “Ivanovic was rested in the weekend fixture against United and could be preferred over Cesar Azpilicueta at right-back while Cole could take up his usual place at left-back.

    “Luiz and Terry will start in central defence with Mikel and Ramires likely to take up the central midfield roles. Hazard and Oscar could play wider attacking roles against Steaua. Mata will play an attacking midfield role and Torres will make another start up front, as Demba Ba is ineligible to represent the Blues in the Europa League.

    “Frank Lampard and Victor Moses are likely to be used from the bench to change the game if required,” the reports said.

    Probable Line-Ups:

    Chelsea: Petr Cech, Branislav Ivanovic, David Luiz, John Terry, Ashley Cole, Ramires, John Obi Mikel, Oscar, Eden Hazard, Juan Mata, Fernando Torres