Former Chelsea and Nigeria midfielder John Mikel Obi has arrived in Nairobi to headline a weekend of football-themed events that aim to inspire young Kenyan footballers and bring Premier League excitement to local fans, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 38-year-old, best known for winning the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea in 2012 and the Europa League in 2013, landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Friday evening to a hero’s welcome.
The former Super Eagles captain was greeted by traditional dancers and fans as he begins a weekend visit organised by London-based Africa Cultural Enterprise in collaboration with E-sports platform Afrigamer, according to the Daily Nation.
The way they welcome Super Eagles & Chelsea legend, Mikel Obi to Kenya yesterday pic.twitter.com/M255AJTU8e
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) May 3, 2025
What takes Mikel Obi back to Nairobi again? Nigeria legend receives royal welcome in Kenya
On Saturday, Mikel will conduct a coaching clinic at Kusinga School in Nairobi, mentoring aspiring footballers across various age groups. A media session will follow at midday.
According to Arthur Oloo, the local partner for Africa Cultural Enterprise, the initiative is part of a wider effort to connect African football fans with global icons and nurture young talent at grassroots level.
“We’re trying to build bridges between our young footballers and global stars,” Oloo said. “These sessions are meant to inspire hope and show that with hard work, anything is possible.”
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Dubbed the Football Fiesta, the event will culminate on Sunday with Mikel hosting a watch party at Nairobi Club for the Premier League clash between Chelsea and Liverpool.
The match, which kicks off at 6:30pm local time, sees Mikel’s former club face off against the newly crowned league champions.
Mikel’s presence adds nostalgia to the occasion, especially for Kenyan fans who remember his past visits to Nairobi. He featured for Nigeria’s Super Eagles in two World Cup qualifiers at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani — first in 2009 and again in 2013, both against the Harambee Stars.
During his 11-year spell at Chelsea, Mikel made over 370 appearances and won two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups, the Champions League, and the Europa League. He also featured for clubs including Stoke City, Middlesbrough, Trabzonspor, and Lyn Oslo.
Next on the list of visiting legends is former Manchester City and Ivory Coast star Yaya Touré, who is expected in Kenya for similar engagements on May 11.