CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL: Kanu, Finidi beckon Mikel

 

Chelsea midfielder, John Obi Mikel will have the chance to become the third Nigerian to win the prestigious Euro Champions League trophy, only if his club can turn the tables against Bayern Munich in the 2012 final tomorrow at the Allianz Arena.

Mikle Obi

Nwankwo Kanu and Finidi George were the first Nigerians to enter the Champions League hall of fame, when they won the cup with Ajax in 1995. In the final against AC Milan, Finidi regarded as the best crosser of the ball at that time played all 90 minutes, while Kanu came in as a 54th minute substitute in the game decided in Vienna, Austria.
It was worthy of note that they were the only Africans in the team dominated by Dutch superstars like Frank Rykaard, Marc Overmars, Ronald and Frank De Boer, Clarence Seedorf and Patrick Kluivert.
Rykaard a defensive midfielder just like Mikel, set up the only goal of match in the 85th minute for Kluivert to finish.
In 2012 Mikel who played a prominent part in Chelsea march to the final has spoken of his desire to make history with the Blues.
“If we win it will be the greatest win ever for Chelsea – we want to make history, and be be legends,” said Mikel.
Nigerians will be rooting for him and Chelsea to do the impossible against a Bayern side that is hard pressed for victory after losing out in all domestic titles this season.
“It will be difficult  ­because it is an away game for us, but then there is more ­pressure on them to deliver.
“We will play with less pressure. Yes we’ve defied the odds.”