Despite putting up some of his worst performances in the Nigerian jersey at the just concluded FIFA World Cup in Brazil, Chelsea midfielder, Mikel Obi, was treated to an evening soiree at the Nigerian Breweries Bar in Lagos on Monday with notable celebrities, journalists and the Amstel Malta brand team in attendance.
The Amstel Malta brand ambassador who was revealed at the 2nd edition of the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) alongside Nollywood actress, Genevieve Nnaji, was all smiles when the brand team introduced him to staff, fans, media men and guests who gave him an extremely warm reception.
The football star who was clad in a white T-Shirt and slim fitted black jeans shared his journey to success with guests and also gave away one of his fashion don’ts at the hangout saying, “I don’t wear anything with a logo”.
Guests at the event were the Corporate Media and Brand PR Manager, Edem Vindah; Marketing Manager, Non- Alcoholic Drinks, Sampson Oloche; Amstel Malta Brand Manager, Hannatu Ageni-Yusuf; Nollywood star O.C Ukeje; comedian, Tee A; CEO Hip TV, Ayo Animashaun; Publisher Yes Magazine, Azuh Arinze, and more who had a splendid evening with the football star.
Speaking on his relationship with Genevieve, Mikel said “We work together, it’s a working relationship. We endorsed Amstel Malta together, she’s a very nice person; I spoke to her a few times and she’s a very lovely person.”
He also suggested tips for success.
“If you run away from hard work and think there’s a shortcut, there’s no shortcut to success, so you always have to give up all the extravagant nightlife and all that to succeed.
“And sustaining it is the most difficult part of it. It’s not how you get at the top, it’s how you maintain it, how you stay at the top.
“So being at the top, you have to work twice, three times harder than you did before getting up there and that’s how you succeed.
“I love coming out here and enjoying myself with my fans. I’ve always said that if something is planned properly, I will come out and share my time with people.
“It gives us joy every time we see fans come out and support us and keep praying for us.
“I love when you guys criticise me for not doing something right; I love when you guys praise me as well. So I love all of it.”
The footballer also spoke on the abduction of over 200 teenage girls by the Boko Haram in Chibok, Borno State.
“I wish I knew where those girls (Chibok) are; if I knew I would go there and pick them up and bring them back. But it’s out of my hands but we will keep praying and keep hoping that they are all safe and they will be returned to their families.”
Meanwhile, Mikel’s future at Stamford Bridge remains in doubt as Chelsea has offered him Italian clubs at a cut-price, in a desperate bid to offload the midfielder who played a bit-part role under Jose Mourinho last season.
Mikel’s deal with Blues does not run out until the summer of 2017, but Mourinho appears to have lost faith in the player and is eager to offload him to create space and raise more funds for new acquisition.
Tuttomercatoweb reports that Chelsea is currently hawking Mikel’s services to Serie A clubs for a fee of €6 million (£4.8 million).
It is reported that lack of interest in the 27-year-old has forced the club to reduce their asking after his dismal outing in Brazil.
Chelsea is keen to be freed of his £75,000 per week wages, with Mourinho seeing fit to divert these funds elsewhere with Mikel’s role at Stamford Bridge diminishing.
The midfielder who started his career at Plateau United of Jos managed just 11 Premier League starts for the Blues last term as he found himself pushed to the margins by the arrival of Nemanja Matic in January.
