‘I found my voice’ – Mikel Obi explains why he has become outspoken on football issues

Former Nigerian captain John Obi Mikel has stated that his experiences with the national team and growing concern over the decline of Nigerian football are behind his decision to become increasingly outspoken.

Speaking in an interview with Michael Oti, Mikel admitted that he was not always as vocal during his playing career but said years of witnessing how football was run convinced him that he needed to speak up.

"Maybe I found my voice later. I found my voice," Mikel said.

The former Chelsea midfielder explained that his experiences with the Nigerian Football Federation and his observations of the way the game has been managed over the years shaped his views.

"The things that I've gone through over the years with the national team, seeing how things are done, the things that I suffered from the FA in terms of how the game was run, how I saw things was done, I knew things can be changed,” he added.

According to Mikel, he has become increasingly concerned that Nigerian football is moving in the wrong direction and believes those who care about the game must be willing to raise uncomfortable issues.

"When I keep watching over the years, it's getting worse and worse. I just felt that it's time for me to speak up. I think it's time for me to show that I care”he continued.

Mikel pointed to Nigeria's recent struggles in World Cup qualification as evidence of the need for urgent changes, stressing that proper planning is lacking.

I will campaign for Dede Ayew to become GFA President – Mikel Obi

"I want to see Nigerian football grow because right now, we're declining. We haven't been to the World Cup twice in a row, and this is the third one that's coming up now and we still don't have a plan,“ he said.

The former Super Eagles midfielder said he was not afraid of criticism for expressing his opinions, including his controversial views on Arsenal's style of play and use of set pieces.

Mikel insisted that his aim is not to attack any club but to address issues he believes others are reluctant to discuss.

"I talk about the things that nobody wants to talk about most of the time. I say the things that people don't want to say."

He added that his willingness to be direct has become an important part of his identity as a football pundit and podcast host.

"Sometimes it's not what people want to hear, but it is the truth “he concluded.

🇳🇬 Chelsea and Nigeria legend John Mikel Obi was known for letting his football do the talking during his trophy-laden career. Today, he has become one of football’s most recognisable voices in the media space.

In this exclusive interview, Mikel opens up on his transition into…

— Michael Oti Adjei (@OtiAdjei) August 24, 2026

PAH/EB

Source: www.ghanaweb.com
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