John Obi Mikel Commends Victor Osimhen on Ballon d’Or Achievement
Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has lauded Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen for achieving an impressive eighth place in the 2023 Ballon d’Or rankings. Mikel noted that this milestone is one that he and other Nigerian football legends have yet to attain, as reported by Sunday Punch.
Mikel Highlights New Heights for Nigerian Football
During a recent episode of the Obi Wan Podcast, co-hosted with British sports broadcaster Chris McHardy, Mikel extended his congratulations to Osimhen for being recognized among the world’s elite footballers. The former Chelsea midfielder, whose decorated career includes UEFA Champions League and Premier League titles, emphasized that this accolade marks a significant advancement for Nigerian football, especially since icons like himself, Austin Okocha, and Nwankwo Kanu never reached such a ranking.
Acknowledgment of Triumphs and Aspirations
Mikel expressed pride in his own accomplishments but recognized that Osimhen had achieved something extraordinary. He remarked, “Yes, I’m still the most successful and decorated football player in the gym, but you’ve obviously won an award that I never received. Being ranked No. 8 in the world is absolutely amazing, and I must say congratulations.”
Raising the Bar in Football
Reflecting on the competitive landscape, Mikel mentioned Osimhen’s ranking among football giants such as Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappé, asking how it felt to be in such esteemed company. Osimhen responded with appreciation for Mikel’s impact on Nigerian football, calling him a significant source of inspiration for budding players.
Osimhen Expresses Gratitude for Legacy
Osimhen didn’t hold back in acknowledging Mikel’s contributions, stating, “The man sitting next to you is a huge inspiration to me and other aspiring football players. His legacy makes him a household name, and we should celebrate that.” He underscored Mikel’s role as a legend and a model of character, both on and off the pitch, reinforcing the influence Mikel has had on younger generations.
Osimhen’s Ballon d’Or Ranking and Recognition
Osimhen’s ascent to eighth place in the 2023 Ballon d’Or rankings stems from a remarkable season during which he was named African Player of the Year—an honor Mikel did not achieve in his career.
Galatasaray Addresses Tax Issues Promptly
In a separate development, Osimhen faced unexpected tax challenges in Turkey after receiving a formal legal warning regarding unpaid income tax. Galatasaray intervened quickly to settle the outstanding amount. According to Turkish newspaper Miliyet, a local bank issued a formal warning after taxes related to his income had not been paid, yet Osimhen will reportedly not be held personally liable for these tax obligations as per his contract.
Salary Delays and Club’s Financial Standing
Following the tax notice, Osimhen informed Galatasaray’s management, who promptly resolved the issue, preventing further legal complications. This incident highlights the contractual clauses that assign responsibility for income tax payments to Galatasaray for its star players. The situation arises amid reports of financial concerns within the club, suggesting that some players have experienced delays in salary payments. However, Galatasaray has vehemently denied these claims, clarifying that no players received dishonored checks and attributing the tax issue to administrative delays rather than a breach of contract.
