The former Nigerian forward snubbed Nwankwo Kanu and Austin Okocha to raise the ex-Chelsea star as the greatest player to have ever put on the green-and-white jersey, but Garba Lawal has strongly objected to those claims.
Ex-Roda JC midfielder Lawal has waved aside reports credited to Daniel Amokachi that retired Super Eagles skipper Mikel Obi is the greatest Nigeria footballer of all time.
Amokachi reportedly plunged for the sacked Trabzonspor midfielder during his show “The Bull’s Pit” on Brila FM.
Mikel is arguably Nigeria's most decorated star at both the club and international levels.
He played a crucial role as the Super Eagles lifted their third African title at the 2013 AFCON tournament in South Africa. The 32-year-old was equally successful at Chelsea, winning two Premier League titles, the Europa League, and the UEFA Champions League titles.
These achievements put Mikel above any other former Super Eagles star, says Amokachi.
But Lawal insists titles alone can’t be used to push Mikel over talented players like Nwankwo Kanu, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, Finidi George, and Rashidi Yekini.
“How is that possible?” Lawal questioned the logic behind Amokachi's claims, as quoted by Daily Trust.
“Honestly, it is surprising. I doubt it so much. How can Dan say such a thing?
“You must weigh so many things before you arrive at such a conclusion.
“There are different categories, and players’ abilities are different. The skills and a lot of things are not the same. You cannot compare all.
“Did the report quote Daniel as basing his conclusion on trophies won? Everybody has his own qualities, so it is difficult to say.
“I will call Dan and ask him, but I doubt it very much. How can you rate and compare a defensive midfielder and an attacking midfielder, they play different roles. Their roles are different.
“I am really surprised by that comment, but sometimes people just fabricate stories. I won’t be surprised if I call Daniel, and he says he didn’t grant such interview,” he concluded.
