Chelsea fans are no strangers to multiple monikers given their recent history of Brazilian talents, but it’s not often that an established Stamford Bridge star makes an official name change midway through their career.

Mikel was born John Michael Nchekwube Obinna (the son of Michael Obi) in 1987, but a mistake in 2003 changed things for the midfielder.

During the registration process for the 2003 Fifa Under-17 World Championships, the Nigeria Football Association mistakenly submitted ‘Michael’ as ‘Mikel’ for the tournament in Finland.

The competition ended in disappointment as Nigeria failed to qualify from their group despite Mikel scoring during a win against Australia, but the midfielder decided to keep his new name.
The Chelsea midfielder says the mistake had a “special ring to it,” and from joining Chelsea in 2006 he went by ‘Mikel John Obi’ instead of ‘John Obi Mikel.’

And the midfielder has now decided to officially change his full name to Mikel John Obi.

But Chelsea fans need not worry about their new 2016/17 replica shirts need not worry as ‘Mikel/12’ will stay on the jersey.

Mikel will miss the start of the new Premier League season, instead representing Nigeria at the Rio 2016 Olympics as one of the Super Eagles’ three designated over-23 players.
The midfielder has won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Europa League and four FA Cups at Stamford Bridge, as well as lifting the Africa Cup of Nations in his 75-cap Nigeria career.


http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/chelseas-john-obi-mikel-changes-his-name-after-nigeria-mistake-13-years-ago-a3309721.html

Changing last name to first name now don turn news ba?//SMH for op

whichever way ...hez got 4 sweet names

niffymizzy:
Changing last name to first name now don turn news ba?//SMH for op

i tire oh

but still it doesn't change the fact that he is shi.t and slow-SLOWbi!


of what use is the change of name considering he has scored only 1goal in almost 300apps huh?

ok

Jst passing by

Click like if you think this is foolish

Jst passing by

---

Igbo kwenu

And this made frontpage?

Mtcheeew

No be nuis nah

Abeg


Leave matta for mathias joor.

okay..noted

When you think about the fact that someone in the NFF spelt Michael as Mikel...

so

Issorite

Nothing concern me

Ok. Na person way dey chop 5 square meal dey remember to change name. By the way, changing name Dean guarantee football glory.

ok

Just a coincidence....


Changing his name has nothing to do with his success

femi4:
It won't improve his slowbi performance

You

His concern now should be life after retirement.

Sunofgod:
John Obinna - that's your frccking name fool and you were born in 1981

niffymizzy:
Changing last name to first name now don turn news ba?//SMH for op

I think the news here is that he turned his middle name to last name... abi his mistake middle name

It won't improve his slowbi performance

Nah name Mikel won chop?...Free name and keep chopping your Money biko...No time to check time o Mr Mikel Slowbi