Nigerians in Twitter war over who is the better player between Mikel Obi and Wilfred Ndidi

Nigerians have a long memory! At least in all things football-related.

And, of course, they keep tabs on their favourite (or not so-favourite) players and their exploits in the field of play. And they don’t forget the joys (and pains) of watching their darling players dole out their skills for glory, especially when the players were at their prime.

So, even if age catches up on them or they become a bit rusty with time – which is perfectly normal – Nigerians still remember them when they were a joy to behold despite the ravages of the natural circle.

So, when Twitterer, Oluwatoba Olalekan @IamClassicNaija, decided to run a Twitter poll asking fans to name their favourite defensive midfielder between the duo of former Super Eagles skipper, Mikel Obi, and former national teammate Wilfred Ndidi, fans were not amused, with many likening the comparison to what amounts to equating chalk to cheese.

Who is your favorite defensive midfielder between these two?

Retweet for Wilfred Ndidi
Like for John Mikel Obi pic.twitter.com/SJu5Xc2Hfn

— Oluwatoba Olalekan #BBNaija (@IamClassicNaija) September 30, 2019

And from the reactions, it was clear that most of those that responded believed Mikel Obi was a better midfielder than Wilfred Ndidi. Anyway, Mikel is at the twilight of his careers while Ndidi’s is only just starting. We believe it is a little premature to conduct a poll such as this. Time enough to do that in the futue.

Meanwhile, here is a sample of the reactions to the poll… And let’s have your reaction in the comment section as well.

MIKEL Survived a Midfield Competion of Ballack, Deco, Belletti, Lampard, Essien, Makalele, Won EPL, FA Cup, Carling Cup, UCL, AFCON.
He may not be your Favourite but don’t disrespect this Man pic.twitter.com/eLV29ndRC5

— £PHramite?? (@EphraimOnos) September 30, 2019

Wilfred Ndidi is a great player , I’m happy he’s a Nigerian, but to compare him to John Obi Mikel is disrespectful.

John Obi Mikel has always been under appreciated.

— Goal Digger? (@iKorede_) September 30, 2019

People comparing Ndidi to Mikel deserve flogging..utter disrespect..it’s a clear indication to you’ve got selective amnesia. Mikel in his prime was world class. pic.twitter.com/ckB9auHHlw

— Sir G (@lordslim91) September 30, 2019

Mikel was the 2nd best player in the World under 20, had Man Utd & Chelsea on strings for his Signature, changed from AM to DM & still Played well while winning EPL’s & UCL for Chelsea & winning the Nations Cup for Nigeria.

You can Praise Ndidi but don’t disrespect Mikel ??

— King Nonny ? (@Zaddy_nomso) September 30, 2019

Ndidi isn’t better than Mikel

Just as Chukwueze isn’t better than Jay Jay

And Osimhen isn’t better than Kanu

At least, not yet.

These current Eagles stars are yet far from reaching their prime. Different generations, different career paths.

Pipe down. The argument is lame.

— Ayodeji Ayodeji (@AyodejiX2) September 30, 2019

You guys are disrespectful to say the least by comparing ndidi to Mikel because of one good game.

Some are talking about stats. How many career assist does Paul scholes, who was considered a world class during his day have?

Y’all should put some respect on Mikel’s name.

— Ogbuefi Okafor?? (@MistaChika) September 30, 2019

Yes, Ndidi is better than Mikel and also Samuel Chukwueze is better than Okocha since we’ve all decided to be mad.?

— Ogbeni Zee (@TheZeeblizz) September 30, 2019

People comparing Mikel to Ndidi are sick and suffering from selective amnesia. Mikel in his prime was world class pic.twitter.com/AyLb4lTndu

— Sir G (@lordslim91) September 30, 2019

So, for most of the people who responded to the poll, Mikel is a class apart from Wilfred Ndidi even as many recognise that the Nigerian midfielder is skilled. But he is apparently, not yet at the level that Mikel reached during his playing days at Chelsea football club.

Nigerians have declared!