By Amaechi Agbo

Afric’s football governing body, The Confederation of African Football CAF, English Premier League giants, Chelsea and the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF all sent birthday wishes to former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi who clocked 33 years on Wednesday, Bestchoicesports.com.ng can report.

They took to their verified Twitter handles to send their wishes to the former Chelsea midfielder and 2013 AFCON winner on his great day

“Former national team captain, 2013 Total AFCON winner, Three third-place medals.

“Happy Birthday to Nigeria’s retired midfielder John Obi Mikel!” CAF wrote on their handle.

While Chelsea wrote: “The birthday boy! Have a great day, Mikel John Obi!”

The NFF wished Mikel happy birthday and thanked for the memories he brought in Nigeria football.

“A big birthday shout out to former @NGSuperEagles captain and AFCON2013 winner, @mikel_john_obi. Thank you for the memories and do have a good one.”

Mikel represented Nigeria at the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Finland where the Golden Eaglets crashed out in the group stage.

He was a member of the Flying Eagles side that finished second at the 2005 U-20 World Cup in the Netherlands.

At the 2013 AFCON in South Africa, he helped Nigeria claim their third African title and also claimed bronze at the 2006, 2010 and 2019 editions.

Also he featured at both 2014 and 2018 World Cups, the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and captained the U-23 Eagles who won bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympic games.

At club level he won the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Champions League and Europa League with Chelsea.

On 17 March 2020, Mikel left Trabzonspor by mutual consent, days after expressing his concerns about the Turkish Super Lig continuing amid the global coronavirus pandemic.