In a recent episode of his podcast, “Obi One,” former Super Eagles captain Mikel John Obi passionately asserted that he was unjustly denied the CAF African Player of the Year Award in 2013. Reflecting on the year, Mikel emphasized his significant contributions to Chelsea’s success, securing the UEFA Europa League title. Additionally, he played a crucial role in Nigeria’s triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Despite these accomplishments, Mikel Obi found himself trailing behind Yaya Toure in the CAF Player of the Year voting. Expressing his disappointment, he recounted how, based on information from CAF, he believed the trophy was his due to his outstanding performances in the Africa Cup of Nations, Champions League, and Europa League.
“In 2013, it was my trophy (CAF Award) to be won. I won the Africa Cup of Nations, I won the Champions League the year before, and the Europa League in 2013. And Yaya only won… he didn’t win anything, and coming into the ceremony, I thought I was winning. The information was that I was going to win it, I was told by CAF I was going to win it,” Mikel Obi expressed with evident disappointment.