Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has declared that winning the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Nigeria is more special to him than his UEFA Champions League triumph with Chelsea.
Mikel was part of the historic Chelsea team that clinched the Champions League title in the 2011/12 season. The 38-year-old midfielder expressed that winning a trophy with the national team holds a special significance.
He stated: “We play for everything, we win the Premier League, the Champions League, but it’s always special when you win something with your national team. I’ve always said that my African Cup of Nations title ranks alongside the Champions League. The joy it brings not just to you or your family but to the people of the country is immense. In Africa, we go crazy about football; it is everything to us.”
Reflecting on the celebrations that followed Nigeria’s victory, Mikel noted: “The celebrations were massive, especially when we returned to Nigeria. Millions lined the streets; people didn’t sleep, they were screaming, shouting, dancing, and playing music—it was absolutely crazy.”
The Super Eagles had a challenging start to the tournament, managing draws against Burkina Faso and Zambia in their opening matches.
However, they turned their fortunes around, defeating Cote d’Ivoire in the quarter-finals en route to capturing the title.
“To navigate the tournament amid such pressure from the whole country, particularly in defeating stars like Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré, was truly fantastic,” Mikel added. “I felt even more joy from that triumph compared to winning the Champions League because of what it meant to the people of Nigeria.”
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