Mikel Obi replies Sunday Oliseh over criticisms

Ex-super Eagles Midfielder, John Obi Mikel has replied the Criticism he received from Sunday Oliseh who doubted the Player’s ability.

Some days back, Sunday Oliseh while speaking on athlst podcast in his opinion stated emphatically that Mikel Obi wasn’t good offensively as he doesn’t possess certain qualities. Oliseh Also made it clear that he would pick Leicester City Man, Wilfred Ndidi ahead of the Chelsea legend.

“He’s (Mikel’s) a player who’s done some good with Chelsea. But when you talk about playing as an offensive midfielder, he’s not an offensive midfielder. He said.

“My man here knows I’m blunt to say certain things. Offensive midfielders have certain qualities and he doesn’t have any of them. As regards as a defensive midfielder, I think he’s useful but I won’t play him. I’ll play Ndidi because a defensive midfielder’s work is you have to win balls without making fouls; you have to be very good in aerial balls. You have to have some control by helping others.”

Mikel Obi who has been in Nigeria for some time as he launches his Back2Base Talent hunt programme gave a More Mature response to Oliseh’s Criticism.

In an interview with reputable Nigerian Media house, ThisDay, Mikel only demanded for Oliseh to show respect to others.

“Unfortunately, it was the opposite because I have a solid relationship with the player just like others in the national team,” Mikel told ThisDay.

“I read it just the same way I learnt a few days ago about my disagreement with Sunday Oliseh when he was the coach.

“All these are mere distractions and I will not want to join issues with anyone. Respect is the key rather than unnecessary attention.” He added.

However, Mikel Obi snubbed Oliseh as he picks the Manager he enjoyed playing under during his time with the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

“In the national team, it’s a straightforward answer, late Stephen Okechukwu Keshi (Big Boss),” the former Trabzonspor ace replied to a question regarding the best coach in his career.

“I have not seen a man like him; he was a special person; I recalled the way he resolves problems and he was such a calm fellow with the way he dishes out instructions.

“Everything was just perfect and during the games, he knows what he was doing and we all respect him for that as a former player, captain and manager.”

Mikel’s Choice of Favourite Manager is a very obvious one as Late Stephen Keshi Guided Nigeria to the AFCON 2013 trophy in South Africa. Mikel was part of the winning team and played a key role in the tournament.

Oladipo