The Brand New Mikel Obi

Mikel Obi's low scoring rate has attracted criticisms but the Chelsea midfielder seems to have rediscovered his scoring boots for the Blues and the Super Eagles, reports 'TANA AIYEJINA

Seven years, 185 games, one English Premier League goal. That is the story of Nigerian midfielder, Mikel Obi at English giants Chelsea.

Mikel has been a part of Chelsea since the summer of 2006. And having played 282 games, winning the FA Cup four times, the Europa League once, the Champions League once and the Premier League once, Mikel has had a successful career.

But one thing had eluded the 26-year-old Nigerian over the years until September 21, 2013 - his first ever Premier League goal.

The goal finally came that Saturday against Fulham, when Frank Lampard's 84th minute corner kick was headed down for Mikel by skipper John Terry and the Nigerian blasted home frfom inside the six-yard box to the joy of manager Jose Mourinho- who has often been accused as having changed Mikel's attacking style to a more defensive approach- and Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich.

The goal sealed a 2-0 win and brought back the Blues to winning ways, having not won since their second league match against Aston Villa.

Mikel's last goal in England before then was in the 2006/07 season.

"I have been trying to reach him to no avail. I'm absolutely delighted because I always tell him he can do it whether at club or national team level, but he has to move closer to the goal area," the man who is being credited to have 'revived' Mikel, Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi said.

Mikel actually started scoring again under Keshi, after a four-year goals drought, and the former Nigerian captain is hopeful that his midfielder keeps the scoring touch.

"He (Mikel) has done it on one or two occasions with the national team and there should be nothing special about his scoring for Chelsea. But a lot also depends on how Mourinho wants him to play for the club. I am sure the goals will start pouring in for him now", he said.

Even though he had represented Nigeria at the 2003 U-17 World Cup and scored a goal as the Golden Eaglets crashed out in the group stage of the tournament, Mikel's awesome talent caught the eye two years later at the U-20 World Cup in Holland.

A mainstay in Coach Samson Siasia's midfield, Mikel served as the engine which powered the entire Flying Eagles team to the final, only to lose to a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina side 2-1.

His ball holding and dribbling skills, excellent distribution of passes and leadership qualities stood him out in a Nigerian side that also paraded talented players like Taye Taiwo, Chinedu Obasi, late Adefemi Olubayo, Dele Adeleye and several others.

These qualities didn't escape world football ruling body, FIFA, who named the Jos-born player second only to the inimitable Messi for the Adidas Golden Ball for the tournament's best player.

Besides, Mikel also had an eye for goal, converting a penalty kick in the crucial final group game against Switzerland help the team qualify for the second round.

After his performance in Holland, it was apparent that Mikel's Norwegian club, Lyn Oslo, would no longer be able to hold on to their prized jewel.

Mikel joined Chelsea in 2006 and after initial glimpses of his attacking prowess, he scored two FA Cup goals in his first season. Lots of his fans were caught in awe as the player gradually withdrew from his attacking style to a more defensive role.

The story was not different even at national team level. The 26-year-old scored at the 2006 and 2008 Africa Cup of Nations but had to wait four years before he hit the back of the net again in a 2013 AFCON qualifier against Liberia in Calabar, courtesy of a penalty kick.

However, traces of the old attacking Mikel began to show at the 2013 AFCON in South Africa, with the midfielder given a more attacking and free role by Keshi.

"Keshi gave Mikel a free role in the national team. He can move forward as he likes because there is a capable backup in Lazio's Ogenyi Onazi. The coach wants more scoring options," Ben Alaiya, Eagles media officer said.

He added, "In today's football, all that matters is the totality of the game. It's a collective effort where everybody must make a contribution. Godfrey (Oboabona), a defender, scores for his club and the national team. So, I think Mikel's scoring is an addition for the squad."

Mikel set up several goal moves as Nigeria claimed the African title for the third time. Reveling in his new-found form, Mikel headed to Brazil with a fresh drive and to the relief of his fans, he scored a superb goal for Nigeria in the 2-1 defeat to Uruguay.

Former Golden Eaglets captain, Shegun Fetuga, says Mikel's latest goal is a good omen ahead of the final 2014 World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia.

He said, "We saw him score for Eagles and now that he has started scoring in the Premier League, it will boost his morale. I am happy that the positive development is coming at a time we will be playing Ethiopia for a ticket to next year's World Cup."