A former Super Eagles Captain John Mikel Obi reveals some of the difficulties he experienced as a grassroot footballer npflupdates.com reports.
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Mikel Obi is no doubt one of the greatest footballers to have played for Nigeria’s Super Eagles. Helping the national team win its their African Cup Of Nations (AFCON) title in 2013.
In a career that spanned over a decade at Chelsea, the former midfielder won so many titles including the English Premier League title and a UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League titles.
Meanwhile, the journey to greatness isn’t always as smooth as many would think, and it’s no difference from what Mikel experienced. According to Mikel, while pursuing the path of football, he was unable to get playing boots and some other kits for himself.
Mikel Obi explains difficulties he faced as a grassroot footballer
The Olympics bronze medalist disclosed this to Pulse Sports during the recently concluded Back2Base Novelty match held at Radisson Blu, Lagos State.
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“I couldn’t afford football boots growing up,” Mikel Obi said.
“My first pair of boots were given to me by a friend who really believed in me.”
He added, “He was a big inspiration for me growing up, he was from a rich family and he gave me a chance to do what I loved.”
In a related story, Mikel acknowledged that winning the AFCON with Nigeria was one of his biggest achievements as a player. Based on his statement, it’s always very difficult for players to win with their national teams; and it also feels special when one wins with his country.
“One of my biggest achievements as a player was winning the AFCON with Nigeria because it’s always difficult to win with the national team, very, very difficult,” Mikel Obi said.
“The likes of Didier Drogba, my close friend, one of the greatest to have played the game, but he didn’t manage to win with the national team. George Weah, I think also the same thing.”
Also read: Mikel Obi : Dribbling Against Ronaldinho Earned Me Respect At Chelsea
He added, “So, you look at these great guys, it is so difficult to win with your national team because our football is so much difficult – physicality and everything.”
