Mikel Obi snubs Super Eagles legend Jay Jay Okocha, picks Africa's greatest player

Former Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel has named Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure as Africa's greatest players, seemingly snubbing his compatriot Jay Jay Okocha. 

In a recent interview, Mikel, who enjoyed a trophy-laden career with Chelsea, selected Drogba, his former teammate, and Yaya over Weah, the 1995 Ballon d'Or winner, as the best players to ever come out of Africa1.

During Goal’s Knockout show, Mikel was tasked with choosing between some of Africa’s greatest players. 

He started by picking Didier Drogba, his former Chelsea teammate over Liverpool and Senegalese legend Sadio Mane, who currently plays for Saudi Pro League giants Al Nassr. 

In the first round, he also chose Yaya Toure over Jay Jay Okocha, a choice he paused to make. 

Mikel justified his decision to pick Toure over Okocha by saying, "For what he achieved, Yaya Toure". 

Ultimately, he picked Drogba over Toure in the final to crown his former teammate and friend as the greatest from Africa.

"I played with him for so many years, we won everything together, so, I have to go, Didier,” he noted.

Okocha, known for his captivating flair and unique style, had successful stints at Fenerbahce and Paris Saint-Germain. 

His career took him to the Premier League, where he left a significant mark at now relegated Bolton Wanderers.

Mikel spent over ten years at Chelsea, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League. 

His time in England saw him play alongside league greats like Drogba, Lampard, John Terry and faced stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, two Manchester United legends.