- Super Eagles legend, Mikel Obi questioned Jackson’s quality after Chelsea’s defeat to Manchester City
- Chelsea legend believes the Blues need a striker who can consistently score goals
- Jackson responds to Obi’s critique with a defiant Instagram post
Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson has been under the spotlight ever since he joined the club last season, with his performances often drawing mixed reviews.
Recently, the 23-year-old found himself on the receiving end of criticism from none other than Chelsea legend Mikel Obi. However, Jackson responded emphatically by contributing a goal and an assist in Chelsea’s 6-2 thrashing of Wolves at Molineux Stadium.
Mikel Obi’s comments followed Chelsea’s lacklustre 2-0 defeat to Manchester City, where he questioned Jackson’s ability to lead the line for the Blues.
The Super Eagles legend said, "I know I talk so much about him and sometimes I sound like I disrespect him. I don't disrespect him. I think at Chelsea Football Club we need a top striker who can get us a goal."
"Chelsea needs a striker who can hit the ball," Obi remarked, casting doubt on Jackson’s suitability for the role.
Not one to shy away, Jackson hit back at the criticism in a fiery Instagram post.
He shared a screenshot from 433 after opening the scoring for Chelsea in their demolition of Wolves FC, adding the caption, “@mikel_john_obi Shut your mouth, don't talk shit, we are killing ourself for Africa.”
With Jackson’s recent performance, the striker is proving he could be the answer to Chelsea’s goal-scoring woes, this is however with Nigeria’s superstar Osimhen still in the mix.
As the Blues gear up to face Crystal Palace on Sunday, August 31, all eyes will be on Jackson to see if he can continue this upward trajectory.
“Small nyash dey shake”- Netizens react to Jackson-Obi saga
Many Nigerians have come out to voice out their displeasure over Jackson’s comment to one of the country’s most favoured legends amongst fans. This feud can cause a divide amongst Chelsea fans as some of the fans stand solidly behind Jackson regardless of his statement.
Below are some of the comments.
“Small nyash dey shake,” @RolandNGabriel said sarcastically.
“I talk am say dem go soon disrespect am 😂😂😂,” @Apxtips mentioned.
“Podcast and pundit mic has landed Mikel in trouble,” @Demo4show said.
“Straight to the head 😂😂 I like that,” @SuperSlimEli stated.
“This is downright disrespectful especially for a mediocre player who has won ZERO trophies with the club. Mikel is a club legend. He’s at risk of being a liability that will sold off if he doesn’t improve this season,” @Dilireally explained.
“Considering all the chances he missed, he shouldn't be this loud,” @Precomagic1 said.
“Jackson is rude and his attitudes last season were uncalled for after getting booked several times because he acted on the pitch unprofessionally .... So I'm not surprised he said that to Mikel Obi.If he continues like that he would leave same manner Costa left “unceremoniously,” @tp2dcore said.
“Leave am. Make e no go ask Man U players of legendary curze wey be say when they respond to the criticism of their legends wey don retired see everytin, dey know dey fit get back to form again. Mikel wey don win everytin for club and on continent except WC na him Jack dey banter,” @BurbaLorin27064 stated.
Mikel Obi discloses plan to lure Osimhen to Stamford Bridge
Previously, TheRadar reported that as the summer transfer window drew to a close, speculation surrounding Victor Osimhen's future had continued to intensify.
The Napoli striker, who had requested to leave the club, is heavily linked with a potential transfer to Chelsea. The deal could involve Romelu Lukaku moving in the opposite direction.
In a concerted effort to bring the Nigerian star to Stamford Bridge, former Chelsea legends Didier Drogba and John Obi Mikel had personally reached out to Osimhen.
