The Nigerian football legend John Obi Mikel made an unforgettable East African visit, sparking excitement and curiosity among fans and football circles.
Former English Premier League star, John Obi Mikel is in Nairobi this weekend to host coaching clinics and engage with budding Kenyan footballers.
The 38-year-old Nigerian midfielder arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Friday night to kickstart his three-day visit packed with football activities and community engagement.
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Mikel’s visit is part of the ‘Football Fiesta’ event organised by Africa Cultural Enterprise, a London-based sports and music entertainment company working to bridge global sports icons with African audiences.
“We are looking to connect our local audiences with global stars, and to inspire growth of the game from grassroots. That is why we have the coaching sessions with them (football icons) in order to give hope to local footballers, especially the young ones," said Arthur Oloo, the local partner of Africa Cultural Enterprise told Nation.
"We also hope to give Kenyan football fans an unforgettable experience of watching an English Premier League (EPL) match with a football icon amidst them."
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On Saturday, Mikel held mentoring sessions at Rusinga School in Nairobi where he trained young footballers across various age groups.
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Sunday’s highlight will be a special English Premier League watch party hosted at the Nairobi Club, where Mikel will watch the Chelsea vs Liverpool clash alongside local fans.
The event promises to be a thrilling experience, giving supporters the chance to interact with the ex-Chelsea midfielder, who won two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, the 2012 UEFA Champions League, and the 2013 Europa League with the Blues.
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Former ICT Cabinet Secretary Edwin Owalo also revealed that he had productive discussions with Mikel on the sidelines of his visit.
“Held productive deliberations with former Nigerian and Chelsea soccer star, John Obi Mikel Mikel John Obi,” said Owalo.
“We explored potential partnerships aimed at identifying, nurturing, and promoting local soccer talent through the Eliud Owalo Foundation with Obi, a former midfielder," he added.
"In addition, we discussed linkages to prospective corporate sponsorships for local soccer Clubs such as Gor Mahia FC," he concluded.
A Premier League Icon Brings Global Spotlight to Kenyan Football
This is not Mikel’s first trip to Nairobi. He was part of the Nigerian squad that defeated Kenya’s Harambee Stars 3-2 at the Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani during a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier in 2009.
He returned again in 2013 when Nigeria edged Kenya 1-0 in another World Cup qualifier at the same venue.
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Having also played for clubs like Stoke City, Middlesbrough, Trabzonspor, and Lyn Oslo, Mikel’s vast experience brings a global perspective to the local game.