JOHN OBI MIKEL thrives on centre stage

Mikel thrives on centre stage

Matt Spiroan, from Cairo

When John Obi Mikel was replaced in the second half of Nigeria's African Cup of Nations semi-final against the Ivory Coast the game seemed to be up for the Super Eagles. Trailing to Didier Drogba's goal, Nigeria looked devoid of ideas without their teenage prodigy and not even the introduction of Jay-Jay Okocha, so often a match-winner in the past, could raise their flagging spirits.

Mikel impact

That Nigeria are already relying so heavily on the SFK Lyn Oslo midfield player says much about the impact he has made in Egypt. Rarely can a player have been hyped up so much before even featuring at the highest level, but the elegant 18-year-old, who is the subject of a much-publicised tug-of-war between Manchester United FC and Chelsea FC, wasted little time in showing people what the fuss was about. Playing with remarkable poise for someone so young and displaying the vision of a genuine creator, Mikel lit up the tournament with his graceful displays and suggested he will be Nigeria's fulcrum for years to come. He made his mark within seven minutes of coming on against Zimbabwe, setting up the game's opening goal with a precise corner to Christian Obodo, then sealing victory by scoring with a firm right-footed strike.

(With Mikel coming through it seems Nigeria's future is in good hands: Nigeria striker Nwankwo Kanu)

Okocha praise

His decisive performance prompted a wave of compliments from the Nigerian camp, with Okocha describing him as "one of the best young players I have seen. Maybe even the best." Nwankwo Kanu, meanwhile, told uefa.com that Mikel's arrival had come at the right time for Nigeria. "He's an unusual talent because he has the ability to play a killer pass," Kanu said. "We've always had good creative players in the past, but neither myself, Jay-Jay nor Wilson Oruma will be around forever. With Mikel coming through it seems Nigeria's future is in good hands.”


Cool penalty

After his heroics against Zimbabwe, Mikel started Nigeria's next three games, creating another goal against Senegal, then picking up his second man-of-the-match award in the quarter-final against Tunisia during which he coolly converted his spot kick in the penalty shootout win. While scores of foreign journalists marvelled at Nigeria's latest find, those who have followed Mikel closely regarded his displays as a natural progression. "I've known him since he was a boy and I fully expected him to make a big impact," said Nigerian commentator Felix Okugbe. "With Jay-Jay arriving injured we knew he'd have an important role to play and he has proved he's the future of the national team."


'Comfortable background'

Against the Ivory Coast's burly midfield pair of Yaya Touré and Didier Zokora in the semi-final, Mikel's influence waned and as a result Nigeria struggled. Okugbe believes he must work on being more competitive, saying: "Most Nigerian players are street kids and they scrap for their lives. Mikel comes from a more comfortable background. He's very well behaved and his manners are immaculate, but sometimes he must be more forceful on the pitch."


'Complete midfielder'

The son of a former civil servant, Mikel was playing top-flight football for Plateau United aged 15 and, by 2003, was dazzling for his country at the Under-17 FIFA World Championship. After a brief spell in South Africa with Ajax Cape Town, Mikel gained global recognition last year by starring at the FIFA World Youth Championship where Nigeria were beaten 2-1 in the final by Argentina. Nigeria’s scorer that day was Chinedu Ogbuke, Mikel’s best friend and club-mate at Lyn. Ogbuke, himself a highly-rated striker, does not hesitate in tipping his pal for greatness. "He's already a wonderful player and I love playing in front of him because he can change a game at any moment," Ogbuke told uefa.com. "His passing is his greatest strength, but he's a complete midfielder because he knows when to hold the play up and when to change the pace, he works hard and he also scores goals."


'Strong character'

Unfortunately for Mikel events off the pitch have made more headlines than his performances in recent times, and, according to Ogbuke, confusion over his immediate future is weighing heavily on his young shoulders. "The problems between United and Chelsea have been getting him down but he's trying to keep a clear head," Ogbuke explained. "Playing so well in Egypt shows he has a strong character and I'm sure he'll succeed in England." Nigeria defender Joseph Yobo has also been impressed by Mikel’s mental strength, comparing the teenager to his former Everton FC team-mate Wayne Rooney. "There are similarities between the two because, like Rooney, Mikel has great self-confidence," Yobo said. "That's very important. Look at Wayne now, he's one of the best in the world." Given his recent displays, it may not be long before Mikel is in the same category.

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