Izuchukwu OkosiFormer and present Super Eagles players have lauded the immense contributions of former Nigeria international John Mikel Obi who called time on his illustrious career on Tuesday, September 27.
Mikel captained Nigeria youth and senior national teams but has elected to hang his boots at the age of 35.
The former Plateau United, Lyn Oslo and Chelsea star wrote an emotional message to his fans on his verified Instagram page which he captioned: “Every good thing must come to an end.”
“There is a saying that “all good things must come to an end”, and for my professional football career, that day is today, ” the former Nigeria international wrote.
“At the past 20 years of my career, and I must say that I am very satisfied with all that I was able to achieve and more importantly the human it has helped shape.
“All of this would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my family, managers, clubs, coaches, teammates and most importantly my ever-loyal fans.
“You supported me through my highs and lows, even on days that I did not live up to your expectations. I say a big thank you.
Mikel’s former international teammates were also on hand to wish him well.
Odion Ighalo, Ogeniyi Onazi, who played in the midfield alongside Mikel, Oghenekaro Etebo, Kelechi Iheanacho, Jamilu Collins amongst others spoke glowingly about his career and personality.
Ighalojude wrote: “Congrats skippo and good luck 🙌🏾💙🙏🏾
Former Lazio midfielder Ogenyi Onazi responding to the announcement on his handle, Onaziogenyi, called Mikel Obi a legend.” Ahhh skippo I miss you sha.. LEGEND 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿”
Cardiff FC left back Jamilu Collins simply wished Mikel a fulfilling retirement experience: “Enjoy your retirement skippo 🙏🏿”
Leicester City’s forward Kelechi Iheanacho on kelechi72 commented: “Congrats on a wonderful career. Legend Skippo friend brother. All the best for the future. ❤️❤️ Obi O’gba ball.”
Mikel’s former coach in the national team, Austin Eguavoen, also congratulated Mikel on his many achievements.
“Congratulations on your retirement, John Mikel Obi.”
“An honor coaching you at the FIFA U17 World Cup 2003, AFCON 2006 🥉 & AFCON 2008. 🇳🇬
“You played it all, and won it all. 🏆
Enjoy the good life. 🥂
Undeniably, Mikel Obi is one of the most successful Nigerian players ever.
At Chelsea where he made 372 appearances, he won all the major trophies including the UEFA Champions League and Europa League.
For Nigeria, Mikel is an Olympic medalist and also won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013 hosted by South Africa.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
In October 2004, Okosi joined Complete Communications Limited, publishers of Complete Sports newspaper and Complete Football magazine as a reporter and later script writer for the Complete Sports studio.
He worked there for 13 years until October 2017.
Okosi also worked various times as Correspondent, Content creator and Editor at Sports Market International Magazine, Opera News, All Nigeria Soccer Media and Iconic Media Watch.
He also undertook freelance writing gigs for some local and international organizations.
Okosi is a member of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Association of Movie Producers (AMP), Association of Voiceover Artistes of Nigeria (AVOA), Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) and Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
He has been part of cast in some Nollywood movies and radio dramas including Blood Money 2, Scores To Settle, Dead End 2, Another Campus Tale and Battle Line.
Aside mainstream media and the entertainment industry, he has interests in scouting/unearthing of talents in the sports and creative sectors, exports business and property development.
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