The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Mikel

  • Chelsea celebrate Mikel

    Chelsea celebrate Mikel

    • Nigerian is face of Blues’ latest magazine
    • Says ‘he is now a matured player’
    • Victor Moses featured in interview

     

    Chelsea has dedicated latest edition of its magazine to Nigeria International, John Obi Mikel in recognition of his role in Nigeria successful Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory in South Africa.

    The latest edition of Chelsea magazine is an international special, as the Blues says on its official website that magazine is a must-have for all supporters.

    Mikel has more medals and trophies on his mantelpiece at the age of 25 than most players are able to gather over the course of their whole careers.

    Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, Mikel has tasted success in all of them, but the midfielder went one better back in January and added a trophy at international level to his ever-expanding collection, when Nigeria were crowned Kings of Africa.

    The Super Eagles beat Burkina Faso 1-0 in the final of the competition after overcoming Didier Drogba’s Ivory Coast in the semi-final, and Mikel was astonished at the reaction of supporters back in his homeland.

    ‘It was crazy,’ he tells Chelsea. ‘It was really nice to go back home after the tournament with the cup – the whole country was waiting. It was a big, big thing, because we couldn’t walk, we couldn’t actually get out of the airport. The whole way through, from the airport to the hotel where we were staying, it was crazy.’

    Mikel, somewhat unsurprisingly given his experience at club level, was an ever-present during the tournament, playing, as he does for Nigeria, in a slightly more advanced role than he is accustomed to at Stamford Bridge.

    A number of the younger, less established members of the squad sought guidance from him as Nigeria continued to progress, and it was a role he was happy to take on.

    ‘Every major tournament makes you become more mature,’ he said. ‘I think it’s because I have played in so many major tournaments at such a young age that I have maturity – you go through a hard time to win tournaments and it makes you grow.

    ‘It’s a life experience and it’s something that I have been lucky enough to do from a young age at Chelsea as well, where I have played alongside some of the best players in the world and I’ve learnt a lot from them.’

    African football continues to grow each year, and what gave Mikel most satisfaction from Nigeria’s success was lifting the trophy when the competition was so fierce.

    ‘The level has gone right up,’ he explained. ‘So to win it this time was just amazing. To win it at a stage when African football has become so interesting – when there are so many African players abroad – was really, really difficult, and we did it.’

    However, the magazine also features the Super Eagles forward, Victor Moses interview his chelsea teammates Oscar, Cesar Azpilicueta.

     

  • Mikel targets more trophies

    Mikel targets more trophies

    Nigeria star Mikel Obi has said he wishes for more success with club and country as that would make him a more matured player and person.

    “Every big tournament you win seems to take you to another level, both as a player and a person,’ MTNFootball.com quoted Mikel as saying on Chelsea official website.

    “You mature by winning major trophies, that’s what it’s done for me since I’ve been at Chelsea. I’ve won pretty much everything but I’m still hungry for success.”

    Mikel won his first Africa Cup of Nations winners’ medal earlier this month and he has won all the major trophies on offer with Chelsea – UEFA Champions League, English Premier League, English FA Cup and League Cup.

    On Sunday’s high-profile English Premier League clash against champions Manchester City, Mikel said it will be a tough match, but he believes Chelsea can win to close the gap at the top.

    He said, “It is going to be a tough game, it’s an important game for both teams, a win for us will help us close the gap, we can do it but will be a tough match,” he predicted.

    “Yaya Toure is always a key player for Manchester City, especially when he plays slightly further forward and not in a defensive role.

    “When he charges up front that’s when he’s so dangerous. It surprises me he doesn’t play there more often, but when they are struggling Mancini tends to throw him forward.

    “If I’m selected to play I will need to think of how to deal with Yaya. You have to try not to let him run beyond you, if you commit yourself he’s gone.

    “He’s always a threat but so is their whole team. You look up front where they have [Carlos] Tevez and [Sergio] Aguero, whoever plays in attack is dangerous, they are such a good side.”

     

  • Terry banks on Moses, Mikel

    Terry banks on Moses, Mikel

    Chelsea captain John Terry is depending on the return of Super Eagles duo, John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses from the Africa Cup of Nations to see them through defending champions Manchester City when both sides clash in a Premiership game on Sunday February 24, 2013.

    Mikel and Moses won the African Nations Cup with Nigeria, where they both played active roles to see the West Africans win a third title in South Africa.

    They returned to full time action for Chelsea in a Europa Cup game against Sparta Prague on Thursday, and Terry believes it is a boost to now have the duo to the starting 11 ahead of the City clash.

    “This season has been a little disappointing, we’ve let Man United get so many points ahead of us, but everyone is dropping points and we can still easily get second place,” he said.

    “If we can go on a run, with the two boys (Victor Moses and John Obi Mikel) back from the African Nations Cup, we have a real chance.”

    Roberto Mancini’s side could feasibly be looking over their shoulder at the third-placed Blues – who trail City by four points – rather than skywards towards runaway leaders Manchester United, who are 12 points clear at the top.

    Absent for Chelsea will be Oriol Romeu, who is sidelined long-term by a knee injury, while City will be without Gareth Barry (knock), Micah Richards (knee) and captain Vincent Kompany (calf).

    Chelsea have not won at Eastlands since August 2008, when the Blues – then-managed by Luiz Felipe Scolari – secured a 3-1 victory.

    The sides drew 0-0 in the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge earlier this season.

  • Mikel, Moses return for Europa League

    Mikel, Moses return for Europa League

    Super Eagles duo of John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses will on Thursday return to the Europa League stage for Chelsea in the round of 32 second leg encounter against Czech Republic side, Sparta Prague.

    Futaa.com reports that both players were left out of the squad that executed the first leg encounter away from home having just returned from a victorious outing at the 2013 African Nations Cup with Nigeria.

    While Moses was recalled into the squad that defeated Brentford in the FA Cup last Sunday, Mikel missed the tie but both players are fully rested and are available for selection on Thursday.

    Prague players arrive in London knowing they face a difficult task overcoming the 1-0 first-leg lead earned by Oscar’s clever strike a week ago.

    The Londoners has not lost at Stamford Bridge in UEFA tournaments since losing 1-0 to Manchester United in 2011.

     

  • Mikel, Ogude may miss Ivory Coast game

    Mikel, Ogude may miss Ivory Coast game

    JOHN Mikel Obi, Fegor Ogude and other Super Eagles stars that were given two yellow card bookings, may miss the quarter-final game against the Elephants of Ivory Coast.

    CAF, it was gathered have changed their rules concerning caution cards got in the group phase of AFCON saying it would no longer wave suspension for any player who has bagged up to two yellow cards with his team despite making it to the quarter-finals.

    Asked Emmanel Maradas, the CAF official stated that: “Am not too sure about the new rule rather if it has been change but I guess the technical committee for the AFCON 2013 will meet today (Wednesday) to look at the rules and players that have got two yellow cards before it could be applied.”

  • Mikel key, Martins will be missed

    Former Nigeria star Tijani Babangida has tipped Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi to be key to Nigeria’s quest for a third AFCON title.

    The ex-Ajax Amsterdam winger told MTNFootball.com that Mikel’s displays for Chelsea as well as his performances in the Eagles have shown that he will play a pivotal role in the Eagles in South Africa.

    He also spoke generally about Stephen Keshi’s team at the 2013 AFCON.

    What can you say about the exclusion of Martins, Osaze and Taiwo from the AFCON?

    Keshi knows better because he gave these players a chance to prove themselves, so, if he makes any decision now as regards them, it could only be best for the team. But all the same I still believe Obafemi Martins ought to be in the team because he has scored almost every weekend in Spain.

    I am also surprised that keshi never gave Michael Enaramo a chance because he has also been scoring often for his Turkish club. Nigeria have not been fair to Eneramo.

    Who do you think should be in the team among the three major omissions?

    Martins. His experience would be missed in South Africa. Even though we are looking for younger players, his current form shows he needs to be there. Don’t forget at the France 1998 World Cup the late Rashidi Yekini was included due to his experience so that if things didn’t go well with Victor (Ikpeba) and co in the strike force, we could easily call up his experience.

    Who are the other players who ought to be in South Africa, but are not?

    Sani Kaita. His presence is needed in the team’s midfield. He is born to fight and win battles in the midfield.

    Will the home-based players not struggle at the AFCON as the league has ended since September?

    Not really. I am sure Keshi knows those ones who are capable of playing for him and playing those friendlies will make them ready for the big one in South Africa.

    Which is Mikel’s best position in the Eagles?

    The position he has been playing in Chelsea.

    Who among the players do you think will lift Eagles when the chips are down in South Africa?

    Mikel of course! With his current form and what he achieved last season as well as his recent performances for Eagles, it is very clear he is our class act.

    What was in the 1994 and 1996 team that you think the current Eagles need to have to be world beaters?

    The 1994 Eagles were a generation of stars with high level of dedication. That was what the 1996 Olympic team followed. If the current set of players could also manage this, the Eagles will fly again.

  • I’m fit for AFCON – Mikel

    I’m fit for AFCON – Mikel

     

    Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi has declared he is fit for the African Cup of Nations in South Africa after a slight knee complaint.

    Mikel was pulled off late in the second half of an EPL game against Norwich City after he suffered a knock on his knee.

    And he has now told MTNFootball.com that he is as fit as fiddle and ready for action to pour cold water over speculations regarding his availability for this month’s tournament.

    “I am going to be at Nations Cup as there is nothing to worry about concerning the injury, it is over,” Mikel told MTNFootball.com

    “I am okay and fit for action. I am already looking forward to play in the FA Cup game against Southampton. I was advised by the doctor to rest it for the QPR game, otherwise I was ready to play.”

    Injury ruled out the Chelsea star from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa at the last minute and Mikel has told MTNFootball.com he will be at the Eagles training camp in Faro, Portugal, on Saturday.

    Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez said before the QPR game that Mikel’s knee problem was not serious.

    ”

     

  • Mikel relishes Boxing Day return

    Mikel relishes Boxing Day return

    MIKEL OBI has said he cannot wait to return for Chelsea against Norwich City on Boxing Day on Wednesday after a three-match ban.

    The Nigeria midfielder was handed a three-match ban and a fine of £60,000 after a race row involving him and referee Mark Clattenburg in October.

    Mikel has missed two league games including Sunday’s 8-0 mauling of Aston villa as well as the Capital One quarterfinal at Leeds United.

    “I am happy that the ban is over. It is my past now, so I have to look ahead. I am ready for the game against Norwich City on December 26,” Mikel told MTNFootball.com

    “I missed football while I was banned because I always want to be part of the action.

    “We are on the high now and I can’t wait to return and be part of the action as it was before my ban.”

    Mikel is also expected to be involved in the EPL fixture on Sunday at Everton and the London derby against QPR on January 2 before he joins up with the Nigeria training camp in Portugal for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations.

     

  • FARO TRAINING CAMP Mikel, Moses, Ameobi due Jan 5

    FARO TRAINING CAMP Mikel, Moses, Ameobi due Jan 5

    CHELSEA stars Mikel Obi and Victor Moses as well as Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi will be the last arrivals at the Nigeria AFCON camp.

    The major leagues across Europe will be on Christmas break, but not so with the English Premier League.

    Both Chelsea and Newcastle will play their first match in the New Year on January 2.

    Chelsea host a London derby against strugglers Queens Park Rangers, while Newcastle are home to Everton.

    “The players from the EPL will be the last to arrive in Faro because they are still playing, while other leagues in Europe are on break. So, we hope to get Mikel, Victor Moses and Ameobi in latest January 5,” a top team official informed MTNFootball.com.

    “All the other players should be in Portugal by January 4, while the boys from the EPL we expect a day because that is 14 days before the first match at the Nations Cup.”

    Keshi will name his final 23-man squad on January 9 immediately after the warm-up game against Cape Verde in Portugal.

  • AFCON: Mikel, Moses, Ameobi join Eagles’ camp January 5

    AFCON: Mikel, Moses, Ameobi join Eagles’ camp January 5

    Chelsea stars Mikel Obi and Victor Moses as well as Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi will be the last arrivals at the Nigeria African Cup of Nations camp, MTNFootball.com reports.

    The major leagues across Europe will be on Christmas break, but not so with the English Premier League.

    Both Chelsea and Newcastle will play their first match in the New Year on January 2.

    Chelsea will host a London derby against strugglers Queens Park Rangers, while Newcastle is expected to play at home to Everton.

    “The players from the EPL will be the last to arrive in Faro because they are still playing, while other leagues in Europe are on break. So, we hope to get Mikel, Victor Moses and Ameobi in latest January 5.

    “All the other players should be in Portugal by January 4, while the boys from the EPL will arrive a day later because that is 14 days before the first match at the Nations Cup, ” a top team official informed MTNFootball.com.

    Keshi will name his final 23-man squad on January 9 immediately after the warm-up game against Cape Verde in Portugal.