John Obi Mikel, the former Super Eagles captain, has opened up about his childhood idols in Nigerian football. Despite winning numerous titles, including the UEFA Champions League and the Africa Cup of Nations, Mikel still holds two players above himself: Nwankwo Kanu and Jay Jay Okocha.
In a recent interview on The Peter Crouch Podcast, Mikel explained how Kanu and Okocha shaped his footballing dreams growing up in Nigeria. “Kanu obviously paved the way for me growing up. Kanu and Jay Jay [Okocha]. They were the two that paved the way for us growing up,” Mikel said.
READ MORE: Abeokuta to Host 3rd African U-18 and U20 Athletics Championship
Mikel emphasized that the influence of Kanu and Okocha went beyond silverware. He praised Okocha’s exceptional talent and Kanu’s achievements with Arsenal, including winning the Champions League and the Premier League.
Yaya Toure of Manchester City attempts to move past a challenge from John Obi Mikel of Chelsea during the FA Cup Fifth Round match sponsored by Budweiser between Manchester City and Chelsea at Etihad Stadium on February 15, 2014 in Manchester, England (Photo credit: Getty Images)
“Kanu won the Champions League and the Premier League with Arsenal. But Jay Jay, with so much talent that he had, he didn’t manage to win anything, but you can’t take that away from him. He was a fantastic, unbelievable player,” Mikel said.
Kanu and Okocha’s legacies are etched in Nigerian football history. Okocha dazzled with his skill and flair, becoming a fan favorite during Nigeria’s debut World Cup in 1994 and winning the AFCON the same year. Kanu, meanwhile, lifted the Champions League with Ajax and the Premier League with Arsenal, and his iconic moment remains the 1996 Olympic gold medal in Atlanta.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
Mikel credited Kanu and Okocha for paving the way for him and inspiring his footballing career. “Those guys, for me, they will always remain the guys that paved the way for me. They were my idols growing up,” he concluded. Mikel’s admiration for Kanu and Okocha is a testament to the lasting impact these two Nigerian football legends have had on the sport.
