John Mikel Obi, a former midfield player for Chelsea and Nigeria, has openly discussed the pervasive problem of family exploitation that successful African professional football players deal with.
Rio Ferdinand, a former Manchester United and England defender, had a fascinating conversation on the VIBE with FIVE podcast, during which Mikel Obi shared his thoughts on the subject.
Mikel Obi clarified the particular difficulties African-born athletes encounter, highlighting the responsibilities that come with achieving financial success. “You get threatened by your own blood,” he said. When you make money in Africa, it’s not your money—this is something I don’t think we talk about too much.”
The legendary football player explained the complex relationships, bringing up examples of how family members take advantage of their loved one’s success.
Mikel Obi revealed the disturbing occurrence of family members, even sisters, getting married for the sole purpose of profiting from the athlete’s success.
He remarked, “And your sisters, they go off and they get married to some guy who just wants to get married to John Obi Mikel’s family because my life is sorted. And then you start looking after this guy.” Mikel Obi underscored the ensuing responsibility thrust upon the athlete to support an expanding family, often leading to financial strain.
The former Chelsea star highlighted the psychological pressure faced by athletes to comply with these demands, stating, “For them, you owe them that. So, sometimes you have to be strong and say, you know what, guys, enough is enough, I don’t care.”
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Mikel Obi exposed the coercive methods used by some family members, threatening to expose the athlete in the media if they don’t meet their cash demands.
He understood the reluctance of the African community to talk openly about these issues, despite how common they are.
Mikel Obi’s observations, which he drew from his own remarkable career, which began with Plateau United and saw him climb to stardom at Chelsea, are a painful reminder to the unseen hardships that talented African sportsmen confront.
The esteemed athlete, who retired on September 27, 2022, after a remarkable career, now contributes his voice to shed light on a pervasive issue within the realm of professional sports.
SOURCE:GRAPHICONLINE
