John Obi Mikel's coming out party, still waiting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rewind to the World U20 WC 2005, we all saw Obi Mikel and saw the future of Nigerian football continuing its dominance of the West African scene. In a tournament where no one was going to stop the Argentine machine behind Lionel Messi and Kun Aguero, Mikel John Obi (at that time) still managed to emerge as one of the stars with superb offensive display from midfield. The dribbling, the passing, the leadership all lead us to crown the wonder kid as Jay-Jay's heir.

      Then came the special 1, actually, make that special 1 via Old Trafford drama. Mikel's arrival at Chelsea has been the subject of much debate whether it be the transfer "kuluulu" or the development or underdevelopment of his game. I for one have always defended Mikel and have had much appreciation for the way he has been able to learn a new role different from what made him a star as a teenager. 

I have always maintained that Mikel's coming out party was around the corner, from African Cup of Nations 2008, to African Cup of Nations 2010 and finally the no-show of World Cup 2010, but am still waiting for the break out dominance. The one point I've always tried to overlook is how Chelsea has developed him into the player Nigeria doesn't need. 

      With Essien in and out of the midfield and Lampard also out I have expected Mikel to grab that midfield by the neck and show new boy Ramires the Chelsea way of midfield dominance, but this hasnt happened. I watched a woeful midfield display from Chelsea today in a 1-1 draw with New Castle. Most people are pinning the current poor form on Ramires' slow acclimatisation to Chelsea's play, but I blame ma boy Mikel. At this point I am acknowledging how much his play has let me down and I bow down in shame as I don't see any development both offensively and defensively. His statistic without either Essien or Lampard are unacceptable regarding Chelsea's win percentage. The most shocking stat of all is his goal output on a senior level for both club and country 

Chelsea 158 games : 2 goals

Nigeria 30 games : 2 goals

      This is unacceptable even for a defensive midfielder. Those who want to blame Chelsea go ahead. Those who want to blame the "Special 1" go ahead. Those who want to blame Nigeria go ahead, but I blame the kid himself. At 23 he still has a lot of time to make right of what has gone wrong with a much hyped and promised career, but I don't see it.