The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has congratulated Nigeria’s international midfielder, John Mikel Obi, over the UEFA Champions League victory.
Obi’s club, the English Premiership team, Chelsea defeated the Germany’s Bayern Munich in Saturday’s finals, 4-3 on penalties to wrestle the trophy for the first time ever.
A statement, signed by Ademola Olajire, Chief Media Officer of NFF, quotes the federation’s President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari as describing Obi as a pride to the Nigerian nation, not only for his club’s victory but also for his personal commitment and high performance in the campaign.
It said: “We are all very proud of Mikel Obi and we congratulate him for this sweet victory. More gladdening is the fact that he was not a docile member of the team or a bench-warmer.
“He was very active and played his part brilliantly in ensuring a magnificent triumph for Chelsea.
“The whole nation should praise the young man. He fought hard and showed dedication all through the campaign and in the process, lifted our country’s name high in international football.''
Obi played the entire 120 minutes of regulation and extra time, before the penalty shoot-out that gave Chelsea the win over Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, stadium.
“We must look at this win in its true context: Chelsea won the title right at the home ground of Bayern Munich, in front of their own fans.
“It is an amazing story and our own Mikel Obi was part of it,” the statement added.
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