Mikel Obi explains how a team printing mix-up changed his name

John Obi Mikel has revealed that his famous football name began with a mix-up during his time with Nigeria’s Under-17 team. He had planned to use Michael, but the name prepared for printing came back as Mikel.

The former Super Eagles midfielder discussed the change on an episode of his ObiOne Podcast. Rather than correct the error, he adopted Mikel, a name that later became closely identified with one of Nigeria’s most successful footballers.

Mikel carried the name through a career that included more than a decade with Chelsea. During his time at the English club, he won the UEFA Champions League, the Europa League and two Premier League titles, along with other trophies.

The name was also used throughout his international career with Nigeria. Mikel won more than 90 caps for the Super Eagles and was part of the team that claimed the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

What began as an unintended change during preparations for a youth team printing exercise ultimately became the identity associated with his senior career. Mikel went on to make the altered name one of the most recognisable in Nigerian football.