Tag: mikel obi

  • Mikel Obi’s Russian partner, Olga, eulogises Nigerian women

    Mikel Obi’s partner and mother of his twin girls, Olga Diyanchenko has commended Nigerian women for their poise and charisma.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Olga, who is visiting Nigeria for the first time, recently met Mikel’s family and is taking time to explore the country.

    In a reflective post on her Instagram page @Olga_allegra, she described Nigerian women as full of grace, charisma and without a shred of insecurity.

    She wrote, “Nigeria, what a surprise you’ve turned out [to] be. But, if I’m to say what impressed me most, it’s the women.

    “So much grace, charisma and not a shred of insecurity. Nigerian women walk swaying their beautiful hips with their backs impeccably straight, heads held high, knowing their worth.

    “Their attitude is strong, yet very sensual, regardless whether it’s a wealthy woman walking through a 5 star hotel or a young girl crossing the road at 7 AM rushing to work.

    “Although may I say, Nigerian women do not rush, nor do they fidget, they simply glide.

    “The way Nigerian women preserve their culture and traditions is admirable.

    “They don’t chase international designers or dress according to Vogue, they wear beautiful traditional dresses, dance the traditional dances and do it all with pride!

    “I hope Ava and Mia will inherit the calmness, sense of pride, posture and self worth that I’ve witnessed Nigerian women posses with such ease. Nigerian women hat off to you! #Nigeria #Pride #Women.”

    NAN reports that Olga and Mikel have been in a relationship since 2013 and welcomed their twin girls in 2015.

    Following her appreciation post, Nigerian women expressed their gratitude for the positive remarks in the comment section.

    The women noted that Olga’s remarks was a ray of light in the midst of negative stereotypes Nigerian women are most times cast in.

    @Nelochi said, “Sincere gratitude to you for this sincere analysis of the Nigerian woman. I pray your offsprings inherit and imbibe the positive attributes.”

    @Nwabify wrote, “Thanks for the accolades. Nigerian women do not fidget. In spite of all our pains, we are unshakeable.”

    @1st_blackchild said, “We are truly grateful for this post. At least we know not everyone is against us. We love you deeply.”

    NAN

  • Nigeria v South Africa: Mikel’s absence won’t affect Super Eagles – Chukwu

    Nigeria v South Africa: Mikel’s absence won’t affect Super Eagles – Chukwu

    Former Super Eagles’ chief coach Christian Chukwu on Tuesday said midfielder Mikel Obi’s absence from the upcoming Nigeria/South Africa clash would not affect the team negatively.

    Chukwu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Mikel’s absence from the home and away fixture against Libya did not affect the Eagles, and now would not be different

    NAN reports that the Super Eagles will take on the Bafana Bafana on nov. 17 in Johannesburg in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.

    The former Green Eagles captain said the Super Eagles were capable of beating the Bafana Bafana with good focus and team spirit.

    “We should remember that Mikel was not in the match against Libya and yet Nigeria came out victorious.

    “So, his absence in the South Africa match may not have any negative impact on the team,’’ he said.

    Chukwu, who captained the Green Eagles to win the 1980 AFCON in Lagos, told NAN that only the coach could specifically say why Mikel was not listed in the squad.

    He said coach Gernot Rohr was firmly in charge of the Super Eagles and should be allowed to work with the list of players he wants.

    NAN reports that Rohr has invited players for the AFCON qualifier and the international friendly match against Uganda.

    South Africa had beaten Nigeria 2-0 in Uyo on June 10, 2017 in their opening game of the qualifiers.

    NAN

  • I’ve not seen, heard from Mikel for five years, 74-year-old father laments

    Chief Michael Obi, the father of professional footballer and Super Eagles Captain, John Mikel Obi, has opened up on the kind of relationship he shares with his celebrity son.

    Pa Obi, 74, said that were it not for an opportunity created by the just concluded World Cup in Russia, it would have been five years since he last spoke to Mikel on phone.

    According to him, the Super Eagles’ skipper once confided in one of his brothers that anytime he wants to call their dad, something tells him not to do so.

    He said in an interview with Daily Trust newspaper: “My relationship with Mikel is an issue, but we don’t know what to do. It’s over five years now without a phone call from him to me. But he communicates with his mother.

    “There is nothing I have not done to fix it. God has told me that I should not feel hurt. When we start to talk about it, I say, ‘Well, as long as I see him on TV, doing great, no problem’.

    “During the just-concluded World Cup, one or two days to one of their matches, we spoke. He called his mum, and she told me that Nchekwube (Mikel) was on the phone and I told him that God will see him through. I prayed for him. That’s it.

    “When he first joined Chelsea, my people in Anambra were very happy that God has blessed their son, and when he came to Abuja, they prepared very well with the hope that he will come to our hometown. They even made some magazines. It was grand. But he didn’t come. It was a shameful thing to me, as a father.

    “He once told his brother that sometimes he picks his phone to call me, but something tells him not to.

    “Sometime last year, he was to bring his twins so that I could name them, he said he would. But he didn’t. His other colleagues frequent home, so I don’t understand.”

  • I am not interested in moving to Everton-John Obi Mikel

    Nigeria and Tiajin Teda midfielder John Mikel Obi has slammed rumours linking him with a move to English Premiership side Everton as “untrue”.

    Reports emerged over the weekend that the Super Eagles midfielder wants to move from Far East.

    Speaking to his club television channel on Tuesday, Mikel said, “I don’t know from where such a rumour could come, but this story is untrue.

    “I want to stay in the CSL and play for Teda. I’m sure there will be lots of speculation about me as the transfer window nears but it is a false rumour.

    “The CSL lags behind the Premier League, but their level is still quite high. I believe more matches will help me get in shape for the 2018 World Cup.

    “I just hope to stay injury free next year and have an amazing season with Teda.”as quoted by Tianjin TV

    Mikel Obi played a key role in Tianjin Teda’s battle to survive relegation after they spent a major part of last season at the wrong end of the table.

    The former Chelsea star made 13 CSL appearances last season, scoring once, as Teda finished 13th, two places but nine points clear of the relegation zone.

  • Russia 2018: No time for too much talk, we’ll prove our worth on the pitch – Mikel Obi

    Super Eagles’ captain Mikel Obi said on Wednesday that the Nigerian national team players have no need to say too much before Saturday’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Zambia’s Chipolopolo.

    The second leg game of Group B between Nigeria and Zambia for the 2018 World Cup qualifier is scheduled for the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

    The outcome of the match would determine the chances of both teams towards qualification for the world cup in Russia.

    Obi, said in Uyo at a reception held for the team by Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel, that the players know what is at stake and ready to give their best.

    “We know how important the match is; that is enough motivation to go all out and give our very best.

    “There are several players in this team who have not played at the FIFA World Cup, they want to be there in Russia next year.

    “The talking will be done on the pitch. I have no doubt we have the quality to achieve victory, but we will not make the mistake of underrating the Zambians,’’ he said.

    Obi said that the team’s good performance in previous matches was achieved due to the focus, determination and massive support of all Nigerians.

    “We believe the same indices are in place for Saturday against Zambia; we have played four matches in the campaign so far, but this one is the match.

    “We are fully focused and ready. All we want is the usual support and encouragement by everyone involved, including the fans that will turn out at the match venue,’’ he said.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Nigeria top Group B with 10 points from three wins and one draw.

    Table-toppers Nigeria will qualify for a sixth FIFA World Cup appearance with the minimum victory on Saturday.

    The match kicks off at 5pm.

    Meanwhile, a statement by Ademola Olajire, NFF Communication Director, President of the Federation, President of NFF, Amaju Pinnick, has tasked the Super Eagles to be calm but clinical against their opponent.

    “The tendency is for teams to get uptight and tensed for this kind of match.

    “I have spoken to them and the approach should be to take full control from the beginning and take the chances that come without being too anxious.

    “We defeated the African champions, Cameroon, by maintaining focus and with the team imposing its game and taking the chances that came their way.

    “That should be the approach for Saturday.”

    Zambia last victory against Nigeria in a competitive football match at senior level was 32 years ago.

    The two teams have played 18 matches in all, with the Eagles winning seven and Zambia winning five, with six draws.

    This is only the second FIFA World Cup qualifying match between the two teams.

    The first leg of the 2018 world cup qualifiers was won by the Eagles 2-1 in Ndola last year.

  • Mikel Obi deletes pictures of Russian girlfriend on instagram

    Mikel Obi deletes pictures of Russian girlfriend on instagram

    Super Eagles Captain, John Mikel Obi has deleted pictures of his Russian girlfriend and mother of his twins, Olga Diyachenko on his instagram account.

    During his stay at Chelsea, the two former love birds welcomed their twins in 2015 after dating for 2 years.

    The former Chelsea midfielder in January joined Chinese club Tianjin Teda for a whopping sum of £140,000 per week deal, allegedly has an undisclosed son and daughter by two separate women in the United Kingdom.

    It was not certain why Mikel decided to delete the photos, but there are speculations that the pair has endured a bitter relationship in recent times.

     

     

  • FIFA, NFF, Chelsea, others celebrate Mikel Obi as he clocks 30

    FIFA, NFF, Chelsea, others celebrate Mikel Obi as he clocks 30

    World football governing body, FIFA, have led the celebrations for Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi on his 30th birthday.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Mikel, who burst into limelight as a teenager at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2005, clocked 30 on Saturday (today).

    FIFA also extended birthday wishes to former World player of the year and Brazil international Kaka, Hungarian star Zoltan Gera and Ingrid Vidal via its official twitter handle.

    Mikel’s Nigeria teammate, Ogenyi Onazi, also sent him wishes on Twitter.

    Onazi wrote:”Happy birthday to you skippo. Wish you long life and God’s blessings.”

    A tweet on the official handle of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) celebrating Mikel reads: “Happy birthday @NGSuperEagles magical captain, @mikel_john_obi. Shine on!”

    Mikel’s former club Chelsea, where he spent 10 years before leaving for China in January, also celebrated the midfielder in a tweet on their official handle.

    Chelsea wrote: “We also wish John Mikel Obi a very happy birthday!”

  • Chelsea pays Mikel Obi N1.1bn severance package

    John Obi Mikel has received the sum of £2million (N1billion) from his former club, Chelsea, as severance package.

    The Super Eagles captain spent 10 years at the club, before he departed in the January transfer window to sign for Chinese Super League side, Tianjin TEDA.

    As part of the gesture to appreciate the 29-year-old, the Stamford Bridge club did not negotiate any fee for the midfielder and have now paid him off with his wages for the last six months of his deal.

    The Nigerian made 374 appearances for the Blues and won 11 major trophies.

    Mikel Obi is now the highest-paid Nigerian footballer having signed a £140,000-per-week contract with TEDA.

    He has since joined his new team-mates in Malaga, instead of taking time off after the club gave him permission to rest following his medical in Amsterdam.