Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has praised Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen’s achievement of finishing eighth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings, describing it as a milestone he and other Nigerian football legends never reached, Sunday PUNCH reports.
Mikel made the remarks during an episode of the Obi One Podcast, which he co-hosts with British sports broadcaster Chris McHardy, congratulating Osimhen for his recognition among the world’s best footballers.
The former Chelsea midfielder, who won several major trophies during his career, including the UEFA Champions League and Premier League titles, said the feat represented a new level for Nigerian football, noting that even celebrated Nigerian players such as himself, Austin Okocha (Jay Jay) and Nwankwo Kanu never achieved such a ranking.
“I am still the most successful, decorated football player in the gym. Yes, yes. But I think, you know, he is obviously, he got an award that I never got. Number eight in the world. That is absolutely, absolutely amazing. I must say congratulations.
“I mean, the season you had, it was fantastic. And I never got to that stage. And this is a different stage. You have raised the level. You have raised the bar so high,” Mikel said.
