John Obi Mikel might be just 20 years old but already his career has been mired in a myriad of controversy.
Yet the talent of the midfield sensation has been evident from early on and is again set to liven up the MTN Africa Cup of Nations finals in Ghana.
Obi made his debut for Nigeria’s Super Eagles at the last MTN Africa Cup of Nations finals in Egypt but has since been suspended from the team for a brief spell by coach Berti Vogts after missing a call up in 2007.
He was the subject of a massive tug of war between Chelsea and Manchester United that only ended when the London club paid off the Red Devils to secure his services.
Alleged death threats, greedy agents and family pressure made his move from Norway’s Lyn Oslo a veritable soap opera.
But it is expected Obi will emerge as Africa’s top talent in the coming years and the MTN Africa Cup of Nations is the perfect stage for him to again display those credentials.
