Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has handpicked retired Super Eagles midfield maestro, John Mikel Obi, to serve as his Honorary Adviser on Sports.
This news comes as part of a series of appointments, as revealed by Mr. Gyang Bere, the governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, in a statement released on Thursday in Jos.
Governor Mutfwang, hailing the appointment as a significant step in bolstering the state’s sporting prowess, aims to rebuild the foundation of excellence within the region.
The selection of Mikel Obi adds a touch of star power to the administration’s mission.
Before being bestowed with this honour, Mikel Obi had been relishing his retirement from active football.
Born in the capital city of Plateau State, Jos, he kickstarted his illustrious career with the local club Plateau United before catching the eye of Norwegian outfit Lyn, which joined at the tender age of 17 back in 2004.
However, it was in 2006 that Mikel’s career took a defining turn when he made a contentious move to the English Premier League club Chelsea.
For 11 glorious years, he donned the blue jersey and etched his name as one of Africa’s most decorated players. Countless club and individual accolades graced his path during this time.
At Stamford Bridge, Mikel proudly hoisted the Premier League trophy twice, lifted the FA Cup four times, seized the League Cup twice, clinched the FA Community Shield, and experienced the euphoria of victory in both the Europa League and the prestigious UEFA Champions League.
The 2016 Summer Olympics saw Mikel contributing significantly to Nigeria’s success by claiming the bronze medal. Furthermore, in the Africa Cup of Nations, he secured one winners’ medal and three bronze medals, solidifying his status as a key player for the Super Eagles.
After a remarkable international career, Mikel bid farewell to the Nigerian national team following the 2019 AFCON. Subsequently, he gracefully retired from professional football after a brief stint with Kuwait SC in 2021.
Now, with this distinguished appointment, Mikel Obi’s legacy extends beyond the football pitch.
Embracing the responsibility of Honorary Adviser on Sports, he finds himself in a unique position to contribute to the sporting landscape of Plateau State.
