Goal good for Mikel –Mourinho

The world is yet to hear the last of the goal
Nigeria’s Mikel Obi scored on Saturday in an
English Premier League match against Fulham.
Chelsea returnee manager Jose Mourinho has
hailed Mikel for the goal, saying that the
effect would be good for the Nigerian.
The Super Eagles midfielder had gone on for
seven years in the Premier League without a
goal. The goal helped the Stamford Bridge
team to a 2-0 win over their London
neighbours.
Mourinho said, “Good for him, good for us. I
think it is good for his confidence. And I
think people enjoyed seeing John (Obi Mikel)
score a goal.
“The goal was a shot in a set-piece, in a
corner, a rebound, the finishing was good and
he was in the position, but the important
thing for me is he played a good game, he
gave balance and stability.
“He kept very good control of the game, so I
am happy with the way John is playing.”
The Nigerian who was converted from an
attacking role to a defensive midfielder rarely
ventured upfront into opponents’ box through
the duration of games. But a rare move on
Saturday produced a goal that analysts believe
would bolster his chase for the African
Football of the Year award. The Nigerian has
posted good showing through the year in
major competitions at the Africa Cup of
Nations, Europa League and the FIFA
Confederations Cup.
On Saturday, Frank Lampard’s cross was
headed down by John Terry for Mikel to
scissors-kick the ball in.
The Nigeria midfielder’s previous goals were
in successive FA Cup rounds in January 2007
against Macclesfield and Nottingham Forest
and thereafter it became a long waiting game.
The goal against Fulham saw Chelsea
billionaire owner Roman Abramovic in
standing ovation for Mikel and in the
remaining minutes the Nigerian was urged to
shoot by the Stamford Bridge faithfuls, even
when in his more customary position,
protecting the back four.
But it was not all lovely for estranged Super
Eagles striker Osaze Odemwingie, who lost
with Cardiff City 1-0 at home to Tottenham
Hotspur from a goal scored in added time.
The Nigerian’s second half curling shot was
saved by the Spurs goalkeeper Iloris.
Odemwingie, who gave his view of the game
via Twitter, wrote, “Was a good team effort
today but disappointing to concede last
minute. It could go our way too. A lot to be
proud off at the same time.”