Mikel tipped for African Player Award

Mikel Obi again played into the hearts of Chelsea and African fans on Sunday when his goal spurred the Stamford Bridge team to victory in the English FA Cup against Derby County.

The Nigerian indeed made the Sunday game a very remarkable encounter as he scored wearing the Chelsea captain’s band while making his 300th appearance for the London club. It was Mikel’s fourth goal for Chelsea, with three of those coming in the FA Cup. Michael Essien had started the match as the captain but handed Mikel the band when he was substituted by Hazard in the 55th minute.

The goal started with Eden Hazard who won a free-kick on the left and it was left to Willian to fire a free-kick into the goalmouth. The delivery was good from the Brazilian and Mikel thumped a header past goalkeeper Lee Grant from five yards out at the 66th minute to send the Chelsea fans into a frenzy.

Another Brazilian, Oscar, wrapped things up for Jose Mourinho’s troop barely five minutes later when his strike was too powerful for Grant to handle. Chelsea will now face Stoke at Stamford Bridge, as the fourth round draw was concluded minutes before kick-off.

The goal gave the Nigerian statistical record that should not make a striker embarrassed, but Mourinho again had wonderful words for his defensive midfielder. Mikel now averages a goal in 75 games in a Chelsea shirt.

Mourinho said via Chelsea FC tweet, “I changed Essien for Hazard because we had Mikel and I felt we didn’t need two players there. Mikel plays in an intelligent and safe way, and there was a smile on my face when he scored. It was like a winning goal.”

On the general match report, the Portuguese added, “It was difficult. In 1st half we played quite well but still 0-0. The players got the message we needed more intensity.”

Meanwhile, Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi and his Ethiopian counterpart, Sewnet Bishaw, backed Mikel for the African Player of the Year award. The award ceremony is scheduled for Thursday in Lagos. Both coaches spoke on Saturday.

Bishaw said, “Nigeria was obviously the best football nation in Africa last year and I won’t be surprised if a player from the country emerges the player of the year. They deserve to get the award. I also wish this beautiful stadium (National stadium, Abuja) is somewhere in Addis Ababa.”

Keshi added, “It will boost the team and Mikel and all Nigerians because it has been a long time since we last won the award and I know we deserve to win this year.”

Source: Punchng