In the glittering world of soccer accolades, the bitter taste of a near miss can linger for years. John Obi Mikel, former Nigerian star and Chelsea legend, has reignited a years-old debate once again claiming he was ‘robbed’ of the 2012/13 African POTY award. The prestigious honor ultimately went to the Ivorian midfielder, Yaya Touré, but Mikel believes his exceptional season deserved the recognition.

The prestigious CAF African Player of the Year award has seen its fair share of iconic winners. But what about those who narrowly missed out? As John Obi-Mikel surprisingly finds himself among them, let’s delve deeper into the narrative of why he felt ‘robbed?’

John Obi Mikel’s case for ‘deserved’ recognition

Speaking on his podcast, The Obi One, the former Super Eagles captain, claimed to deserve the Best African Player award for the 2012/13 campaign. “I just think that the 2012/13 African Player of the Year, I had etched it. I had an amazing tournament and an amazing year. I just think club-wise and country-wise, I was robbed,” Mikel stated. However, his argument hinged on the amount of silverware he collected. While Yaya Touré had an amazing 20-goal season with Manchester City, he lacked the trophy haul to match Mikel’s achievements.

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The 2012/13 season was undoubtedly a pioneering campaign for the Chelsea icon. He was pivotal in the Blues’ historic Champions League victory, showcasing remarkable performances as a midfield engine. Adding further to his club accomplishments, he lifted the Europa League trophy the following year. John Obi Mikel also captained his nation, Nigeria, to their first AFCON title in nearly two decades, solidifying his status.

“Though Yaya was scoring goals for his club and country, he didn’t manage to win any trophies that year. Whereas I was very instrumental in the Champions League final with Chelsea, and in the AFCON as well, I was the center of the team. So, I would say that I deserved that trophy,“ the Chelsea legend added. This candid admission from Mikel unveils his stance on getting robbed of his glory despite his world-class performances on the pitch.

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Was it a robbery, or a simple close competition?

While John Obi Mikel’s claims spark debate, it’s crucial to acknowledge the backing behind Yaya Touré’s candidacy for the award. The Manchester City linchpin enjoyed a phenomenal individual season, scoring a staggering 24 goals across all competitions for his club. Toure’s dominant and bulky presence in the midfield and consistent goal contributions were pivotal in City’s title triumph.

Ultimately, the 2012/13 season witnessed two exceptional African players showcasing their talent at the peak. While Mikel’s trophy cabinet is exemplary, Toure’s technical brilliance cannot be undermined. Both stars had exceptional careers on and off the pitch, as their impact on the younger African generation transcends farther than the accolades.

Do you think John Obi Mikel deserved the African POTY award over Yaya Touré? Let us know your opinions in the comments!

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