The former Nigeria international is still actively involved in the game, having only extended his stay at Stoke City a few weeks ago
Stoke City midfielder John Mikel Obi has confirmed and accepted his appointment as Nigeria's youth ambassador after meeting with the country's Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, on Friday.
Mikel Obi recently identified with the government in power in the West African nation when he paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.
Mr Bello is rumoured to be nursing a presidential ambition under the ruling party, All Progressive Congress.
A modern-day legend of the game, Mikel Obi, in his new role, will be expected to champion the causes of the youth and inspire them to be better.
And reacting to his appointment, the ex-Chelsea ace expressed his delight while promising to wield his influence far and beyond the beautiful game that brought him fame and riches.
“I feel highly honoured to be appointed as Youth Ambassador of this country. It is a great feeling,” the 34-year-old said.
“I am happy with this partnership, and I promise to do my best to encourage and inspire the youths towards national development, not just in football but in other sports like Basketball, Boxing among others.”
Mikel Obi remains one of the few Nigerians to have won the UEFA Champions League after helping Chelsea claim the prestigious trophy in 2012.
A year later, the classy defensive midfielder sealed his legacy in Nigerian football forever when he inspired the Super Eagles to her third continental triumph at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations tournament hosted by South Africa.
Scam! Scam!! Scam!!!
Good to hear!
Congratulations to Mikel obi, as least this Will encourage the Nigeria youths..
Oga ✅ English
This appointment is foolish and doesn’t make sense. It should have been given to home base youth who needs the appointment to help his life and families, even his extended family. Mikel doesn’t need this appointment and even if he needs it there are other youths who wasn’t opportuned like Mikel so it was supposed to be given to others. Nigerian government know how to give useless and selfish appointments. Spits
Do you know what an ambassador is? It’s not about feeding family. Mikel is an inspiration to many Nigerian youths, hence the ambassadorial role. Don’t let poverty make you think anyhow please.
I like your sincerely response to this guy without being sarcastic….you are mature….
Weldon … Knowledge is power
I even want more of our ex footballers to start taking jobs in our federation …that is my prayer
Not those ones with pot belly who know nothing about football or sport in whole leading us in it blindly
That is just my prayers…. congrats Mikel
More to go
Kanu
Rufai
Jay jay
And other ex players
That is the mentality that is killing Nigeria as a country. It has become a culture to them that any opportunity to serve the country is an opportunity to loot and feed his family fat.
Congratulations
Dear Mikel Obi,
Don’t allow failed politicians who have failed in governance and are currently looting the commonwealth of this country, keen on destroying the very fabrics of our democracy use your legacy and brand to repair or boost their damaged reputation…
Be very careful and steer clear of these lots. The current regime is a failure and the governor you went to visit is a super failure…
You don’t need any sort of assistance from these ones. Focus on your football and if you want to contribute to the developments back home, look carefully, very carefully before supporting anyone cos these men don’t have ideals or mean well for the people they’re governing…
I advise you don’t allow them to destroy your legacy and reputation with the Nigerian people..
Thank you.
It is good thing for Mikel, my only concern is his association with a non performing government……hope the baggage will not erode his reputation