Tributes poured in from across the football world on Tuesday as former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel marked his 39th birthday, with messages from his former club Chelsea FC and Nigeria’s national team.
Chelsea, where Mikel spent more than a decade, led the celebrations with a short message to the midfielder.
“Have a wonderful birthday, John Obi Mikel,” the club said in a post, recalling his role during one of the most successful periods in its history.
Nigeria’s senior national team, the Super Eagles, also honored their former captain.
In a tribute shared on social media, the team described him as a legend of the game, saying, “Happy birthday to our former captain and legend Mikel John Obi.”
Mikel, born 22nd April, 1987, enjoyed a distinguished career for both club and country.
He spent 11 years at Chelsea between 2006 and 2017, winning multiple major titles, including two Premier League trophies and the UEFA Champions League.
At the international level, he earned more than 90 caps for Nigeria and was part of the team that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
He also captained the side to a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympic Games, cementing his place as one of the country’s most respected footballers.
Fans and football bodies also joined in celebrating his legacy, highlighting his consistency, leadership and calm presence in midfield throughout his career.
The birthday messages reflect Mikel’s lasting impact on Nigerian football and his status as one of the country’s most decorated players, even years after his retirement from the national team.
