Former Chelsea and Super Eagles star, John Mikel Obi has asserted his status as the “most successful and decorated football player in Nigeria” during the latest episode of his The Obi One podcast.

Mikel, who is a Chelsea and Super Eagles legend, highlighted that despite his considerable accomplishments, he never attained the rank of number 8 in the world by the Ballon d’Or, as Osimhen did.

Recall that the former Super Eagles Midfielder was shortlisted for the CAF African football player of the year in 2013, a year after his famous campaign in the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea.

Yaya Toure won the award that year and it indeed generated lots of controversy.

Mikel Obi, however praised Victor Osimhen for raising the standard for football players particularly in the country.

“I am still the most successful and decorated football player in Nigeria. But he [Victor Osimhen] got an award that I never got.

“He was ranked number 8 in the world by Ballon d’Or. That’s absolutely amazing. I must say congratulations.

“The season you had, it was fantastic and I never got to that stage. You’ve raised the bar so high.”

Victor Osimhen in response to Mikel’s praise also hailed him as an inspiration to young African and Nigerian footballers, like him.