Former Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, has sparked conversation online after sharing his unorthodox opinion on Nigerian “swallow” dishes, staples that many Nigerians consider essential to daily meals.
I Eat It Once a Month” – Mikel Speaks Out
In a recent podcast appearance, the former Chelsea midfielder confessed that he only eats pounded yam, one of Nigeria’s most popular swallow dishes, once a month. According to Mikel, its heaviness affects his digestion.
> “Pounded yam is so heavy. I eat it once a month, it takes me about two to three days to digest. Maybe sometimes not at all. I don’t know how people eat it every day,” he said.
This isn’t the first time Mikel has made such remarks. Back in 2019, he was quoted saying he prefers Chinese cuisine to traditional Nigerian meals like eba.
> “To be honest, I don’t eat eba as much. For the last five or six years, I’ve eaten more Chinese food than eba,” he previously stated.
Lifestyle of a Professional Athlete
Mikel’s preference for lighter, often Western-style meals is likely a reflection of his professional lifestyle, having played most of his career in Europe and Asia. It aligns with a broader trend among elite athletes who adopt strict dietary regimes to maintain peak physical performance.
Despite his Nigerian roots, Mikel’s culinary choices appear to be heavily influenced by his global exposure and commitment to fitness.
A Career to Remember
Mikel Obi began his career at Plateau United before moving to Lyn Oslo and eventually signing for Chelsea in 2006. He went on to win numerous titles, including:
* 2 Premier League titles
* 4 FA Cups
* 1 UEFA Champions League (2012)
He also had stints at Tianjin TEDA, Middlesbrough, Trabzonspor, Stoke City, and Kuwait SC. On the international scene, he earned 91 caps, scoring six goals, and played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s 2013 AFCON win and 2016 Olympic bronze medal finish.
