MIKEL OBI REVEALS HE SPENT HIS OWN MONEY TO SAVE NIGERIA’S OLYMPIC CAMPAIGN
Former Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, has shed light on a critical behind-the-scenes moment during Nigeria’s 2016 Olympic campaign, revealing that he personally funded the national team’s trip to Brazil amid a financial crisis.
Speaking on The Peter Crouch Podcast with former England striker Peter Crouch, the ex-Chelsea midfielder disclosed that the team was stranded in Atlanta due to logistical delays and lack of funds. With the tournament fast approaching and no clear solution in sight, Mikel said he had no choice but to step in.
“We were stuck in Atlanta, not knowing if we were going to make it to Rio,” Mikel recounted. “I had to pay for the team’s flight to Brazil so we could represent Nigeria. I still haven’t been paid back — it’s been eight years.”
Mikel’s timely intervention allowed the Nigerian U-23 team to arrive just in time for their opening match, and they eventually went on to secure the bronze medal — Nigeria’s only medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics.
His revelation has reignited discussions around the poor management of sports in Nigeria, drawing both praise for his patriotism and criticism toward authorities for failing to reimburse one of the nation’s football heroes.
