Claim: Former Super Eagles player Mikel Obi recently claimed he is the most decorated Nigerian footballer. He made the statement while speaking on a podcast with Victor Osimhen a few weeks ago.
Background
John Obi-Mikel is widely regarded as one of the football legends in Nigeria. He retired from active football last year at the age of 35. However, during a podcast appearance, the former Chelsea midfielder asserted that he is the most decorated footballer Nigeria has ever produced. He stated, “I am still the most successful and decorated football player in Nigeria. But he (Victor Osimhen) got an award that I never got.” his statement sparked considerable debate.
In simpler terms, the title of “most decorated” can be determined by the number of titles won, while being the “most successful” is often associated with overall achievements throughout a lifetime.
In his assertion, Mikel primarily referred to his accomplishments as a player, which may not necessarily encompass any success he has achieved outside the realm of football.
Findings
The fact-check247 team researched to assess his claim by discovering the top five most decorated Nigerian footballers who are retired as Mikel.
Below is the list of Nigeria’s most decorated footballers based on the number of titles won. This information was gathered via www. transfermarkt.com.
Kanu Nwankwo
Kanu is regarded as one of the most decorated footballers in Nigeria. From winning the Nigerian Premier League with Iwuayanwu Nationale in the 1992-93 season, Kanu, according to https://www.transfermarkt.com/nwankwo-kanu/erfolge/spieler/3133, won a total number of 17 trophies in his playing days for the country and club sides.
He played for Ajax in the Netherlands, Inter Milan in the Serie A, and Arsenal, West Bromwich Albion and Portsmouth in England
Daniel Amokachi
Daniel Amokachi is another player on the list of the most decorated Nigerian footballers in History.
The Bull, as he is fondly called, had a career which saw him play in Belgium, England, Turkey, United States and United Arab Emirates. According to https://www.transfermarkt.com/daniel-amokachi/erfolge/spieler/92287, he won 14 trophies on the home front and club sides.
Mikel Obi
Mikel Obi had a football career that spanned decades, spending most of the time playing for Chelsea at the club and Nigeria, his home country.
Mikel, according to https://www.transfermarkt.com/john-obi-mikel/erfolge/spieler/30739, won 12 trophies in all his stay at Chelsea and at the National Front, where he won the African Cup of Nations in 2013.
Finidi George
‘Finito’, as he is fondly called, is a former Nigerian football player who played as a right winger. He played a pivotal role for his national team in the 1990s, appearing in two World Cups. He had club sides that saw him play for Ajax, Real Betis, Mallorca and Ipswich Town.
According to https://www.transfermarkt.com/finidi-george/erfolge/spieler/13241, he won 10 trophies while playing for Nigeria and club sides.
Sunday Oliseh
Former Super Eagles skipper who doubled as coach, Sunday Oliseh emerged in fifth position on the Nigerian footballers who won more titles at the national and Club levels.
According to transfermarkt, https://www.transfermarkt.com/sunday-oliseh/erfolge/spieler/127, he won six trophies in a career in his career with the National team and club sides like Ajax and Borussia Dortmund.
Verdict
According to statistics and data, John Obi-Mikel is not the most decorated Nigerian footballer
