Memory has been revived about the exploits of Nigerian duo, John Mikel Obi and Victor Moses in the Chelsea squad that went on to win the UEFA Europa League in 2013.
Heading into The Blues’ all-England, nay all-London, final of Europe’s second-tier club competition against Arsenal on Wednesday in Baku, Azerbaijan, a super-preview of the game recounted the roles played by Mikel and Moses in ensuring Chelsea got that far.
Although they both ended up staying all 90 minutes on the bench for the final, Mikel and Moses were part of the pitch celebrations that followed a last-gasp victory over Benfica of Portugal.
That victory in 2013 made Chelsea the only club so far to win the UEFA Champions League and Europa League in back-to-back seasons, but is now six years on from that historic night.
Mikel has since moved to two clubs since leaving Chelsea, while Moses is on loan at Fernebahce of Turkey, but memory has come alive ahead of The Blues’ latest date with history against Arsenal, who have Alex Iwobi, Bukayo Saka and Xavier Amaechi set to follow the Nigerian tradition.
TeamTalk wrote: “If Oscar (or Ramires) wants any advice on returning to England after a stint in China, Mikel can offer some help.
“The midfielder spent a few more years as a Chelsea player before joining Tianjin Teda in early 2017.
“Playing two full seasons in the Chinese Super League before joining Middlesbrough in January 2019.
“He was unable to help Boro seal a play-off place during his short spell in the north-east and is now looking for a new club at the age of 32.”
Transferchanger added on social media: “John Obi Mikel has been offered contracts by multiple Premier League clubs. The Nigerian midfielder was at Middlesbrough from January last season.”
In their narration, TeamTalk also noted that Moses was in the same squad that won gold against Benfica, but soon after went on loan at several clubs at repeated intervals.
In their narration, TeamTalk also noted that former Eagles’ winger, Victor Moses was in the same squad that won gold against Benfica, but went on to star on loan at several clubs afterwards.
The write-up added: “If you were to pick one player from the 2012-13 squad to still be on Chelsea’s books in May 2019, Moses probably wouldn’t be top of your list.
“Indeed, the (former) Nigeria international would spend the next three seasons out on loan, with Liverpool, Stoke and West Ham respectively, before returning and becoming an integral part of Antonio Conte’s wing-back set-up.
“Moses won’t play against Arsenal in Baku, having joined Fenerbahçe on loan in January, and his stint with the Turkish side is due to run until the end of the 2019-20 season.”
