John Michael Nchekwube Obinna (born 22 April 1987), is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for English club Chelsea and the Nigeria national team.
Mikel started his official football career at the age of 12 when picked as a talented footballer from over 3,000 young talents to play in Pepsi Football Academy, a team that at the time was well known for travelling across Nigeria scouting young footballers with the potential to play professionally. Obi stood out to scouts and was later picked to play for top-flight club Plateau United, a side that had previously developed stars Celestine Babayaro, Victor Obinna and Chris Obodo, among others, that went on to success in European leagues.
Honours
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Chelsea
Premier League (2): 2009–10, 2014–15
FA Cup (4): 2006–07, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2011–12
League Cup (2): 2006–07, 2014-15
FA Community Shield (1): 2009
UEFA Champions League (1): 2011–12
UEFA Europa League (1): 2012–13
Nigeria
Africa Cup of Nations (1): 2013
Individual
U-20 World Cup Silver football 2005
African Young Player of the Year: 2005, 2006
Chelsea Young Player of the Year: 2007, 2008