The social media including Twitter and Instagram went agog for John Obi Mikel on Thursday even as the former Nigerian international became a year older.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Chelsea and numerous fans all took to the social media to celebrate Mikel on the occasion of his 34th birthday.
Even the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) was not left out as birthday wishes poured in for him from his appreciative supporters.
Mikel, one of the finest footballers to have come out of Africa clocked 34 years on Thursday with the midfielder having been born on 22 April back in 1987.
FIFA tweeted: “Happy birthday to a midfielder who won the Silver Ball at the #U20WC behind Lionel Messi, helped the Super Eagles win the AFCON and is among the most decorated Nigerian footballers of all time. Have a great one, John Obi Mikel.”
NFF tweeted: “Happy birthday to former @NGSuperEagles captain, @mikel_john_obi. Thank you for the memories, John.” Chelsea posted: “Have a great birthday, @Mikel_John_Obi!.”
ng_supereagles tweeted: “Happy birthday to former @ng_supereagles captain, @mikel_john_obi. Thank you for the memories, John. Best wishes! Let’s send in our wishes to this legend.”
eaglestrackerng tweeted: “Happy Birthday to former Super Eagles captain, @mikel_john_obi.” Goal Africa wrote: “Join us in wishing @mikel_john_obi a happy birthday!.”
At Chelsea, he won the Champions League, Europa League, two Premier League titles and three FA Cups. Mikel earned 91 caps for Nigeria and won the 2013 African Cup of Nations in South Africa.
By Oluyemi Ogunseyin