Obi Mikel says promised AFCON 2023 land plot still not received
Former Chelsea and Super Eagles midfielder John Obi Mikel says he has never received the plot of land that the Federal Government promised each player after Nigeria's Africa Cup of Nations victory in 2023. Speaking on a podcast hosted by former England striker Peter Crouch, Mikel recalled the team's grand reception after lifting the trophy and reiterated that the then-Goodluck Jonathan administration had promised every squad member a "massive plot of land." He added, "I don't think I know where mine is." Mikel retired from professional football in 2022 at age 35, having spent most of his career at Chelsea where he won the Champions League, Premier League and numerous other trophies.
The unfulfilled land promise highlights a recurring pattern where Nigerian authorities celebrate sporting triumphs with grand pledges that later fail to materialise. Such gaps erode trust between the state and its athletes, potentially discouraging future talent from representing the country and raising questions about accountability for public commitments made in moments of national pride.
The promise was made to each of the 23-man squad, yet no details about location, size or allocation have been made public. With Mikel now retired, the lack of follow-up leaves former internationals uncertain about benefits tied to their service. Citizens can demand transparency by asking the Presidency or the Ministry of Sports for a register of allocated plots, and athletes can seek formal documentation before accepting future state honors.