Ex-Super Eagles and Chelsea midfielder, John Mikel Obi, was full of praise for his side’s new signing, João Pedro, revealing Nicolas Jackson has dropped down the pecking order, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 2013 AFCON winner has always clamoured for Enzo Maresca’s side to bring in another striker, as Jackson isn’t reliable as the first option in attack.
While Mikel has clearly suggested that Victor Osimhen should be Chelsea’s first option, the Blues have gone on to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town and João Pedro from Brighton and Hove Albion.
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Delap’s signing left the Chelsea fanbase divided, but Pedro came in with a bang, scoring two brilliant goals against Fluminense in the Club World Cup semi-final.
Take a bow, Joao Pedro. pic.twitter.com/l8eQwa0noR
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 8, 2025
Jackson replaced Pedro in the second half and had a chance to find the back of the net, but the Senegalese striker scuffed the chance.
80′ Jackson goes for goal instead of the pass, and misses the target ❌
Cole Palmer’s reaction says it all.
Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #FLUCHE pic.twitter.com/9Q5GCU7pGg
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) July 8, 2025
Mikel‘s opinion on Chelsea‘s striking options
After the game, Mikel, on punditry duties with DAZN, mentioned Jackson will most likely be Chelsea’s third-choice striker going into the 2025/2026 season.
“It is important we have competition in the team, it is very important when you play for a big club and you are competing for trophies, and that is what we have got now,” the 2012 UEFA Champions League winner said in quotes revealed by Metro UK.
“Three good strikers competing for one position. With Delap and Joao, that competition is going to push the players to go extra hard.
“However, I still think Jackson has a significant role to play; he just needs to sort out his discipline and determine what he wants to do here.
“I just think with his performance here today, Joao and Delap are probably ahead of him right now,” the former Super Eagles captain concluded.
Chelsea will now face Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final on Sunday. Xabi Alonso’s side take on the 2025 UEFA Champions League winners at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.