National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has clashed with Super Eagles captain, John Obi Mikel.
The jocular clash occurred when Mikel paid him a courtesy visit at his Ikoyi residence to seek his support for the “Africa’s Next Football Superstar”, a talent hunt programme initiated by the Mikel Obi Foundation.
But Tinubu, who disclosed his support for Manchester United, jokingly attacked Mikel for playing for Chelsea, their great rival.
However, he disclosed that he has always been a great admirer of Mikel and supported him throughout his 11 years at Chelsea.
Mikel, won two EPL titles, three FA Cups, one Football League Cup as well as the UEFA Champions League and Europa League at Chelsea, currently plies his trade with Chinese Super League side Tianjin Teda.
Receiving Mikel, Tinubu said, “I’ m very proud and honoured to receive you (Mikel ). I’ m a great fan of football even though not much of a fan of your former club (Chelsea ). I sincerely tried to watch Chelsea all the time you were there because you are a great talent.”
The Punch further quoted him as saying, “ Chelsea is not my club but he (Mikel ) is my club and we will support his project . I’ m a Man United fan to the core.
“ Last weekend, I watched the Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea game with one eye because I’ m always envious of Chelsea. I always wish we (Manchester United ) beat them. I sympathise with him (Mikel ), his former club had to take a hit from Tottenham.
“When Mikel was there however, I watched Chelsea each time he was on the pitch with both eyes because he’s a great talent. It’s been a wonderful homecoming for him and we will do everything to support him.”
He added, “I’ve been to Chelsea to watch their games because of him (Mikel ). I always want him to win, he’s a great midfielder. He’ s helped the club a lot, he’s brought the name of the club up, he has the team spirit and camaraderie, which made Chelsea proud.”