Former Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has made startling revelations about the immense influence wielded by John Mikel Obi during his time with the national team, including how he prevented certain players from earning their debut caps.
Mikel Obi's Powerful Influence in the Eagles' Camp
Speaking candidly on the Bet9ja Home Turf Podcast, the 33-year-old Onazi explained that the Chelsea legend was a dominant figure whose opinions carried significant weight. Onazi disclosed that Mikel personally intervened to stop the international debut of striker Tony Nwakeme after he was called up to the squad.
The former Trabzonspor star recounted a specific incident in Istanbul where Mikel Obi openly addressed the issue. "When he was playing, there were some players whose invitations Mikel stopped," Onazi stated. "He prevented Tony Nwakeme from making his debut. Mikel said it himself when we were eating in a restaurant in Istanbul and he apologized to him."
According to Onazi's account, the rationale behind Mikel's objection was based on the player's perceived work ethic. "The reason why it happened was that Tony doesn't run too much. So Mikel said 'who was this person who doesn't pursue the ball?'" Onazi emphasized that this was not an isolated case, noting "This is just one out of many."
The Inspirational Side of a Nigerian Legend
Beyond wielding his influence, Onazi was quick to highlight the profoundly positive impact Mikel Obi had on younger Nigerian talents, including himself. He credited the famous transfer saga between Chelsea and Manchester United for shaping Mikel's resilient mindset, which in turn inspired others.
"Mikel is our senior player and inspired us," Onazi said. "Because of the Chelsea and Manchester United transfer saga, he made me take football seriously." He shared heartfelt personal anecdotes of Mikel's generosity during their formative years. "During the holidays in Jos, Mikel brought jerseys, boots and shared money for us. I was part of the people who collected money from him. It is a privilege to play alongside him."
Onazi also addressed rumours of factions within the Super Eagles camp ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, firmly dismissing them. He described a professional relationship where on-pitch disagreements were quickly resolved. "When we played, and I hustled, Mikel would tell me to pass the ball to him and that is why we are always quarrelling, but if it happens, I always go to plead with Mikel; I am always his boy."
"There were never two camps in the Super Eagles during my playing days," he asserted. "Mikel was too influential when he was still playing for Nigeria."
The Legacy of a Decorated Super Eagles Captain
John Mikel Obi's career remains one of the most decorated in Nigerian football history. With the Super Eagles, he was instrumental in ending the nation's long wait for a third Africa Cup of Nations title, captaining the side to glory in South Africa in 2013. His honours also include a runners-up finish at the FIFA U-20 World Cup and an Olympic bronze medal in 2016.
At club level with Chelsea, his trophy cabinet is equally impressive, boasting two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, the UEFA Champions League, and the Europa League. Recently, Mikel has been vocal in his criticism of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), blaming its management for the Super Eagles' failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ogenyi Onazi's revelations paint a complex picture of a national icon—a leader whose authority could make or break a player's international career, yet whose generosity and success story inspired a generation of Nigerian footballers to reach for the stars.
