The Nigeria Football Federation and Chelsea have led organisations and individuals in celebrating the career of Mikel Obi, who announced his retirement from professional football yesterday.
The 35-year-old called time on his trophy-laden career yesterday after nearly 20 years of active, top-level football.
Mikel played for Nigeria at U-17, U-20 and senior levels, winning silver with the Flying Eagles at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2005 and Africa Cup of Nations gold with the Super Eagles in 2013.
He also won bronze as an overage player with the U-23s at the Rio 2016 Olympics men’s football event.
“Thank you for the memories and goodluck @mikel_john_obi #MikelTheBest,” the NFF wrote on Twitter, attaching several pictures of his triumphant moments with the Super Eagles, the team he captained and appeared for 91 times.
The midfielder spent 11 years at Chelsea, where he won the Premier League twice, the UEFA Champions League, the Europa League and the FA Cup three times.
“Enjoy your retirement, Mikel Obi! Thanks for the memories,” the club wrote.
Mikel appeared at the AFCON five times and was a medallist four times: bronze in 2006, 2010 and 2019, and gold in 2013.
Organisers of the continental showpiece, the Confederation of African Football, celebrated the former Super Eagles captain.
“A glory-studded career. 2013 Total Energies AFCON champion and Nigeria’s iconic midfielder Mikel Obi announces his retirement. Best of luck,” CAF tweeted.
Mikel’s former teammates and coaches at club and country also hailed the retiring star.
“Mikel Obi, what a player, what a man. LEGEND. Enjoy retirement,” his captain at Chelsea, John Terry, wrote on Twitter.
Mikel’s Super Eagles teammate Moses Simon also had good words for his former captain, writing: “You were exceptional on the pitch and inspirational off the pitch. Happy retirement Skippo.”
Austin Eguavoen, who as Super Eagles head coach took a young Mikel to the 2006 AFCON, wrote: “Congratulations on your retirement, John Mikel Obi.
“An honour coaching you at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2003, AFCON 2006 and AFCON 2008. Enjoy the good life.”
Mikel made 372 appearances for Chelsea and also played for Lyn Oslo in Norway, Tianjin TEDA in China, Tranzonspor in Turkey, as well as Middlesbrough and Stoke City in England.
His last club was Kuwait SC in the Middle East.
