Former Nigeria star reveals under-17 mix-up led to 'Mikel' becoming his name
Nigeria's famous former midfielder Mikel Obi recently shared the origin of his signature name on his podcast, ObiOne.
In an interview, he explained that during his time with Nigeria’s Under-17 team, there was a mix-up while printing the players' names. He initially wanted to be called Michael but ended up as Mikel in the records, much to his surprise.
According to reporting by Vanguard Nigeria - Sports.
How 'Mikel' Became Known
Mikel's name change didn't just stay in his youth team days; it quickly transformed into a globally recognized identity. He made the name famous during his career at Chelsea, where he won numerous titles including two Premier League championships and UEFA Champions League trophies. His international career also saw him playing for Nigeria's Super Eagles over 90 times, helping the nation win the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013.