John Obi Mikel this week shortlisted for BBC African Player of the Year, the Chelsea man ought to be concentrated on the weekend’s clash with Ethiopia.
Mikel’s place on the shortlist for the award, where he stands alongside Yaya Toure, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, Jonathan Pitroipa, and his compatriot, Victor Moses, is just desserts for a year in which he has finally delivered on the promise that has long been associated with his name. Ever since exploding onto the scene at the U-17 World Cup in 2003, Nigerians have been waiting for Mikel to finally realise his potential.
I think that the majority of us had given up hope that he would ever blossom into the new Jay-Jay Okocha, a fluid playmaker capable of anything and everything, however, we were almost all still praying that he could emerge as more than the stodgy defensive midfielder to whom regular Premier League viewers had become accustomed.
It was at the Cup of Nations earlier this year that Mikel finally began to take matches in his stride, to dominate the midfield and to drive the team forward with his majestic touches and imperious vision. I have written extensively about the value of the emergence of Ogenyi Onazi, and the Lazio midfielder’s accomplished defensive work, as well as his remarkable maturity, which have allowed Mikel to concentrate more upon the creative side of the game.
Technically, philosophically and emotionally, it is imperative for the immediate future of the nation’s football that Keshi’s Super Eagle elect arrive at Brazil intact. Mikel’s presence will doubtless be crucial for his teammates, but Nigeria’s presence will surely be crucial for Mikel. Significant contribution at the World Cup remains the one major blank spot on his verdant CV.
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