Ex international Ogeni Onazi has revealed that during their playing days for Nigeria, Chelsea legend Mikel Obi was too influential that he can decided who gets invited into the national team.
Former Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has sparked quite the conversation online with a bold assertion about ex-national team captain John Obi Mikel and his significant influence within the Nigerian national team.
Ex international Ogeni Onazi
And let me tell you — football Twitter, WhatsApp groups, and viewing centres are buzzing with opinions.
In a recent interview, Onazi claimed that Mikel had such a strong hold on the Super Eagles that it impacted team selections, suggesting that some players were overlooked due to internal politics.
Onazi emphasized that Mikel’s role went well beyond just being the captain. He implied that Mikel’s opinions carried a lot of weight when it came to decisions in the dressing room and who got picked for the team — a scenario that he feels has hindered certain players who truly deserved a shot.
Ex international Ogeni Onazi
While Onazi didn’t drop any names or provide specific instances, his comments have reignited discussions that many Nigerians have quietly speculated about for years.
Mikel: Leader or Power Broker?
There’s no doubt about John Obi Mikel’s legacy.
He’s a former Chelsea midfielder,
an AFCON winner,
an Olympic bronze medalist,
and the longest-serving captain of the Super Eagles in recent times.
For many fans, Mikel was the glue that kept the team together during some tough years. But there are others who have long wondered if his influence sometimes blurred the lines between leadership and control. Ex international Ogeni Onazi
Onazi’s recent comments have reignited that ongoing debate. Ex international Ogeni Onazi
Since those remarks came to light, opinions have been sharply divided:
Some fans argue that every successful team needs a strong leader, and Mikel filled that role perfectly.
On the flip side, others feel that no player should ever overshadow the team, especially when it comes to national team selections.
Former players, analysts, and fans are now taking a fresh look at past squad lists, players who were dropped, and those mysterious omissions.
As of now, John Obi Mikel hasn’t responded to Onazi’s allegations. Whether he decides to tackle these claims head-on or let them slide is still up in the air — but one thing’s for sure: Nigerians are definitely paying attention. Ex international Ogeni Onazi
Was Mikel’s influence a crucial stabilizing force during the chaotic years of Nigerian football, or did it quietly close doors on other emerging talents?
What do you think about Ogenyi Onazi’s assertion?
Should senior players wield that kind of power in the national team?
Or is this just a case of sour grapes years after retirement?
Meanwhile; Nigerian Super Eagles has defeated Egypt on penalties to clinch Bronze medals as our goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali becomes national hero after saving penalties from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria wrapped up their 2025 AFCON journey on a thrilling high, clinching a 4–2 victory over Egypt in a nail-biting penalty shootout to snag the bronze medal in a match that had fans biting their nails in anticipation.
After a gripping 90 minutes where neither team could find the back of the net, the tension escalated straight to penalties — and that’s when the real drama unfolded. Ex international Ogeni Onazi
Stanley Nwabali became an impenetrable fortress.
The Nigerian goalkeeper put on a legendary performance, saving crucial penalties from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, dashing Egypt’s dreams and igniting wild celebrations among Nigerian supporters. His incredible display earned him the well-deserved Man of the Match title.
However, it wasn’t a flawless night for everyone in green and white. Dele Bashiru’s missed penalty momentarily hushed the Nigerian crowd, but Nwabali quickly stepped in to change the narrative. Continue reading here
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