AFRICA PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2012: Why Mikel Obi Should Win Among the 10 players Shortlisted For the Award



John Mikel Obi: Chelsea Star


It’s a very successful year for the Nigeria midfielder, John Mikel Obi, who was a key player in Chelsea historic UEFA Champions’ league success. And just last month, he was also at the center of affairs for the Super Eagles, when Nigeria qualified for Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2013).



When it seems so dark on the sky of Nigeria football, Mikel obi stood up there like a lone star, shinning so bright. For some years now, he has been ranked among the best. Only second to Lionel Messi in world Youth Championship in 2005; and a sliver medalist in 2008 Olympic games.



Mikel, as he’s fondly called by fans, had previously won the Young African Player of the year award in 2009.

Mikel Wins UEFA Champions League Trophy with Chelsea

Mikel is a product of Pepsi football Academy in Nigeria, then went on to play for Manchester United Youth team. After some outstanding performances, he was signed on by Lyn Oslo before he finally joined Chelsea.





Mikel Qualify Nigeria for AFCON 2013



He has always shown exceptional ability to become the best football player in the world. Though, most Nigeria fans vehemently criticized Jose Mourniho for changing Mikel’s role as an offensive midfielder to a defensive midfielder, which they say has greatly undermine how he expresses himself on the pitch.




But with Di Matteo being incharge as manager of Chelsea, Mikel is now enjoying more expressive roles as a key member of the squad. Perhaps, it maybe the reason why he is on spotlight most of this year.



Now, Mikel is presently shortlisted among the 10 players in contention for Africa Player of year 2012 award, which will be decided on December 10, 2012. Let us know your opinion, if Mikel deserve to win the Award?

Below is the full list of 10 players norminated for the award:

 Alexander Song (Barcelona/ Cameroon)

 Andre Ayew (Marselle/ Ghana)

 Christopher Katongo (Henan Construction/ Zambia)

 Demba Ba ( Newcastle/ senegal)

 Didier Drogba (Shanghai Shenhua/ Ivory Coast)

 Gervinho (Arsenal/ Ivory Coast)

 John Mikel Obi (Chelsea/ Nigeria)

 Pierre Emerick Aubame yang (Saint Etienne/ Gabon)

 Yaya Toure (Manshaster City/ Ivory coast)

 Younos Belhanda (Montpeller/ Moorocco)