Former Chelsea and Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi has revealed the struggles he went through on his way to the top.
Mikel Obi remains one of Nigeria's greatest-ever footballers, boasting a career spanning over a decade at the highest level of the game.
Obi’s illustrious football journey has seen him excel at both club and international levels. He was a pivotal figure at Chelsea, Tianjin Teda, Trabzonspor, and Middlesbrough, amassing a collection of titles and individual honours.
![Mikel Obi holds the coveted AFCON trophy. (Photo Credit: Imago)](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/27102023/0ac40225-fa8c-4138-8b85-1f74515bd95f.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
However, it was not always smooth sailing for one of Nigeria's finest as the ex-Chelsea man recalled a time when he could not even afford football boots.
![Mikel Obi credits Victor Moses for 2013 AFCON: Super Eagles legend praises former Chelsea teammate](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/21102023/2504eb98-e597-4202-9289-862e3543162e.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
11:40 - 21.10.2023
Mikel Obi credits Victor Moses for 2013 AFCON: Super Eagles legend praises former Chelsea teammate
According to Super Eagles legend Mikel Obi, Nigeria won the 2013 AFCON thanks to the superb player of Victor Moses.
Mikel Obi on his first football boots
![Mikel Obi a part of the 2012 Champions League winning team is now expected to return in a Chelsea jersey.](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/12052023/9590b791-9694-4254-aa88-5b32b2530075.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
Speaking to Pulse Sports during the recently concluded Back2Base Novelty match held at Radisson Blu, Lagos State, on Monday, Obi told his story.
"I couldn't afford football boots growing up," Mikel Obi said.
![Ex-Chelsea midfielder Mikel ObiInstagram/Mikel Obi](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/13102023/331114a8-e92b-453b-bd86-0a181ebbf4d5.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
"My first pair of boots were given to me by a friend who really believed in me.
"He was a big inspiration for me growing up, he was from a rich family and he gave me a chance to do what I loved."
Meanwhile, Mikel Obi has declared the AFCON 2013 triumph as the best moment of his career. - Read More here.
Related content
![Mikel Obi: Super Eagles legend declares Nigeria's AFCON13 victory his biggest achievement](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/24102023/94a03958-adbc-4b8c-93f0-b0ebef40618f.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
12:05 - 24.10.2023
Mikel Obi: Super Eagles legend declares Nigeria's AFCON13 victory his biggest achievement
Nigeria Super Eagles icon John Mikel Obi believes that winning with the national team is difficult.
![Mikel Obi: Super Eagles legend unveils epic cash splash in Back2Base novelty match](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/15102023/371b9376-7862-45f6-8ca3-f71f6e7ac8c5.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
23:31 - 15.10.2023
Mikel Obi: Super Eagles legend unveils epic cash splash in Back2Base novelty match
Nigeria Super Eagles Mikel Obi returns to put smiles on the faces of young Nigerians with his Back2Base foundation.
!['Daddy is missing' — Mourinho responds to Mikel Obi and ex-Chelsea stars Drogba and Kalou picture](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/13102023/01e7656b-a1bb-49c8-a45a-77dc823d6287.png?operations=fit(180:))
14:18 - 13.10.2023
'Daddy is missing' — Mourinho responds to Mikel Obi and ex-Chelsea stars Drogba and Kalou picture
Jose Mourinho sets tongue wagging with comical comment to a John Obi Mikel Instagram post.