Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel is trending on social media for his comments, taking credit for the growth of Chelsea Football Club in Nigeria and Africa at large.
Fans have reacted negatively to Obi’s recent remarks regarding his role in swaying Nigerian support for Chelsea.
Mikel Obi’s audatious claim
In a recent episode of his podcast, “Obi One,” the former midfield player said that the reason Chelsea has become more famous in Africa is because of him and Didier Drogba.
He said that this effect was inherited by Victor Moses in Nigeria.
On the podcast, Obi stated, “Didier Drogba and I were largely responsible for the Africans’ decision to start supporting Chelsea.”
“In Nigeria, Chelsea became popular because of me and then later because of Victor Moses,” Mikel Obi said, according to a post on X.
However, many Chelsea supporters swiftly refuted Obi’s claims on the social networking platform X (formerly Twitter), while a few supported him.
Why was Mikel Obi dragged for his claims?
Sports Buddy will be taking a look at fans reactions to Mikel Obi’s statement, highlighting three names echoed by many of them.
Celestine Babayaro paved the way
Former Eagles leftback Celestine Babayaro became the first Nigerian footballer and second African footballer to play for London club Chelsea. He played for the Blues from 1997-2005, before moving to Newcastle.
Some fans, especially the older ones, believe Babayaro was the one who inspired many into supporting Chelsea. Below are some of fans comments who believe the former leftback should be given the credit, instead of Mikel Obi:
”I started supporting Chelsea from Celestine Babayaro era. Shift biko,” a fan commented.
”Babayaro made Chelsea popular just as Kanu did for Arsenal in Nigeria,” another fan said.
”Mikel, your contribution to Chelsea’s popularity in Nigeria is grossly overstated. Before you appeared at the U-17 and the U-20 World Cup that propelled you to the world stage, millions of Nigerians were already Chelsea fans, Celestine Babayaro deserves most of the credit for that,” another commented.
”He dey gba.. I started supporting Chelsea since 1996, I nor know how old him be then, 1997 Celestine Babayaro signed for Chelsea and from then on many Nigerians followed the club,” another user wrote.
He dey gba 😂😂😂😂
I started supporting Chelsea since 1996, I nor know how old him be then, 1997 Celestine Babayaro signed for Chelsea and from then on many Nigerians followed the club.
— Daddy G.O (@DaddyG_O_) May 25, 2024
Jose Mourinho’s influence
”The Special One” as he is fondly called, is no doubt a major influence in football stanship. Jose Mourinho is one of the greatest managers in football. Having joined Chelsea in 2004, the former Porto boss immediately announced his arrival, calling himself ”The Special One”. Known for his antics and controvertial personality, the Portuguese manager was always in the news. To back up his charisma, he had trophies to show for it and this lured many fans into the club.
Below are some of the fans comments, claiming Mourinho influenced them into supporting Chelsea.
”Only few Chelsea fans (Older Men) started supporting Chelsea cause of Babayaro. Most chelsea fans including you started supporting chelsea after or during the first Mourinho 2004 season under the Roman Regime,”
Didier Drogba contributed his quota
Mikel Obi in his statement mentioned Drogba alongside himself, as the main reason Africans started supporting Chelsea. Many fans agreed to only one part of the statement, and that is the part he mentioned Drogba.
Drogba joined Chelsea in 2004 and has since then become a fan favourite. Fondly known as ”the big game player”, the Ivorian warmed his way into the hearts of many fans.
”Drogba made me join Chelsea, when you join Chelsea oga mikel?” a fan said.
