Two former Super Eagles stars roll back the years as Chelsea legends fall to Liverpool at Anfield

Chelsea Legends were defeated 2-0 by Liverpool Legends in the annual LFC Foundation charity match at Anfield on Saturday afternoon, Footynaija.com reports.

Former Nigeria internationals John Obi Mikel and Celestine Babayaro featured in Chelsea’s starting XI, with Mikel playing the full 90 minutes while Babayaro was withdrawn after 34 minutes for Loic Remy. The Blues heroes were coached by former boss Roberto Di Matteo.

Mikel was a standout performer in midfield, impressing alongside Claude Makelele, Florent Malouda, and Ramires.

Mikel Obi, Gianfranco Zola pic.twitter.com/gF5TPpR1mi

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The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner showed his enduring class, dictating play and demonstrating his composure on the ball.

Despite Chelsea’s bright moments, it was Liverpool who found the breakthrough in the second half. Peter Crouch opened the scoring in the 55th minute with a trademark looping header before doubling his tally soon after, sealing victory for the Reds.

Peter Crouch (44) running back the classic robot celebration! pic.twitter.com/ZnZ4G02vmb

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Chelsea came close to pulling one back when Eidur Gudjohnsen and Gianfranco Zola combined before Mikel’s clever flick set up Jon Harley. However, Harley’s audacious lob from a tight angle drifted just wide.

Mikel, who spent over a decade at Chelsea, remains a club legend, having won two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups, as well as the Champions League and Europa League.

Babayaro, a key figure in Chelsea’s rise under Gianluca Vialli, played a vital role in their 2000 FA Cup triumph and was part of the squad that secured the club’s first-ever Premier League title in 2005.