Mikel: I am not ready for Marriage

Mikel: I am not ready for Marriage

January 26, 2014
Tailwind news that Super Eagles’ star midfielder, John
Mikel Obi, is on the verge of tying the nuptial knot might
be just a ruse after all, following a frank conversation
with The Nation Sport & Style which was facilitated by
one of his long-trusted confidants.
Mikel, Africa’s second best footballer, has been
romantically linked to a bevy of Nigerian beauties and
had featured repeatedly on the list of the most eligible
bachelors in the country. Recently, the social media was
buzzing over news that the Chelsea’s Nigerian star has
finally made up his mind to settle down with a Russian
beauty in spite of alleged dalliances with some Nigeria’s
stunning models.
First it was Nollywood gal, Rita Dominic, that the
rumour mill said she was dragging Mikel to the altar
after they posed together in a photograph taken in
London. On Rita’s heels came delectable Sandra
Okagbue who has been face of Delta Soap since 2010.
Mired in the marriage mess, a bewildered Mikel
expressed his indignation in an interview syndicated on
Sports Focus anchored by Kayode Tijani
“I know normal people don’t go through what I am
going through now when it concerns finding a wife to
marry, normal people don’t at all,” Mikel said. “Believe
me it’s so difficult, very difficult, it’s so difficult you just
have to leave it to God.
“ To find someone who truly loves you, there might be
someone who really loves me truly for who I am but I
may not be aware, but maybe you don’t know but you
may think she’s one of those people that love you for
who you are or what you have, because of your money.
But maybe she’s there for you, you never know, you get
so confused now I have decided I will just leave it to
God to decide who I get married to,” he noted
But in his major interview since the 2013 African
Footballer of the Year Gala early this month, Mikel has
categorically stated that marriage was not yet on his
mind even as he kept the identity of the woman of his
dream close to his chest.
“I can’t say (when I’m going to get married) because
that is not on my agenda now but when God says it is
time, it will happen,” confessed Mikel to The Nation
Sport & Style. “I don’t want to talk about that
(searching for would-be wife) now, it is a private
matter.”
Yet, Mikel is still revelling in the joy of winning the UEFA
Champions League at the expense of Bayern Munich in
Munich in 2012, picking that as his best moment ever
since fate led him to the Stamford Bridge after a
protracted transfer tussle with Manchester United soon
after he helped Nigeria win silver medal at the 2005
FIFA World Under-20 Youth Championship in Holland.
Excerpts…
You scored a goal in a Cup game against Derby County,
how do you feel since you don’t score often?
It was nice. Great feeling. It was an important goal for
us because we needed to win; it was in the second half,
so the goal opened the door for us. I was happy.
When you score, the celebration is always different from
that of your teammates, what do you have to say about
that?
(Laughter) May be because I’m not a regular scorer and
the fans usually urge me to celebrate.
Are you looking forward to scoring more goals for
Chelsea?
I do wish to score but I’m not under pressure to score.
My role doesn’t give me such chance but when I have
the chance I’ll try to get it. I think I will get more, but
above all, I am always happy to contribute to my
team’s success whenever I am on. Team success is
paramount for us here.
Talking about winning trophies, you have won almost all
the trophies one can think of at club level, what is your
target this season?
Chelsea is a team that encourages you to win trophy.
That is the mentality here and it is good for us. It has
become a habit. I think we can win every trophy we are
playing in.
Chelsea beat Manchester United 3-1 last weekend, does
that result send signal that Chelsea will win the league?
No, we still have a lot of games to play. We are in
contention and getting such result against a contender
is a good one for us.
When is the wedding bell going to ring?
(Laughter) I can’t say, because that is not in my
agenda now but when God says it is time it will happen.
Are you still searching or you already have your Miss
Right, with reports linking you to many ladies?
I don’t want to talk about that now, it is private.
(Laughter)
You won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Super
Eagles last year, how are you looking forward to Brazil
2014?
They are different competitions. I was happy to win my
first Nations Cup gold medal last year. I am looking
forward to a very impressive performance at the World
Cup. I believe we will do well.
Any target?
No. We will know when the competition starts.
Who motivates you more at Chelsea?
A lot of players that I met there. Drogba, Essien made
me feel at home because of the African brotherhood.
Terry is nice, Lampard too. I also learnt a lot from Maka
(Makalele).
How do you like to dress?
I dress based on where I am going. The occasion
determines what I wear but I love it simple and smart.