Chukwu, Onazi Praises Mikel As He Clocks 29

Nigeria legend, Christian Chukwu has paid tribute to Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi as he celebrates his 29th birthday.

The Blues’ star who made his Super Eagles’ debut in 2006, began his international career for the country at the 2003 African U17 Cup of Nations in Swaziland where the Golden Eaglets finished third before featuring at the Fifa U17 World Cup same year.He then progressed to the Nigeria U20 team where he played key role as Samson Siasia’s lads finished second at the 2005 Fifa U20 World Cup in Holland.

“There is no debate about his class which I attribute to discipline and dedication,” Chukwu toldGoal. “Mikel is committed to whatever he wants to do and that has helped him a big deal as a footballer.“He is gifted, talented and he is one of the greatest midfielders ever to come out of the country.His colleague in the national team, Ogenyi Onazi has also taken to Instagram to wish his Super Eagles teammate John Mikel Obi a happy birthday, with the Chelsea midfielder turning 19.

The pair held sway in Nigeria’s midfield as the country won her third Africa Cup of Nations title in South Africa 2013.Onazi who is working hard to help his Italian based outfit qualify for Europe next season took time out from his busy schedule to acknowledge his ‘boss and skipo’-  and claims he has also learn from him.
“Happy birthday to you my boss and skipo, always learn from you, may God continue to bless and lift you to that height you never expected amen,” Onazi wrote on Instagram, alongside a picture of Mikel holding the Afcon 2013 trophy.  “And for those who condemn him for not scoring goals, I would say the most important thing in football is playing to coaches’ instructions and not what people think the player should do. “Mikel has been consistent for Chelsea because he is playing to his manager’s instruction. If not, he would have spent more time on the bench. “And personally, I don’t feel that scoring goals should be a factor for becoming a great player.”Chukwu is confident that the 29-year-old can continue playing at the highest level for many years to come while wishing him well on his birthday.

“For the national team, he has been doing his best and I believe he has years ahead of him in the Super Eagles. To be honest, he has paid his dues,” he continued.“He has played; he has captained and has been a source of inspiration to many young players which is the very important. He has really done well.“As he clocks another year on earth, I wish him long life and more fruitful playing days. He has been so blessed by God that he hasn’t recorded any serious injury in his career. Going by this, I also wish him an injury-free time till he hangs his boot,” he concluded.