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Obi, Moses, in Dramatic Season Transfers

Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, and a former team mate, Victor Moses, were among few Nigerian players whose transfers attracted headlines at the close of January


The two players were in the Nigerian squad to the Russia 2018 World Cup Finals in which the Super Eagles did not progress beyond the first round. Captain John Mikel Obi and Winger Victor Moses switched club sides to advance their football careers at the close of 2018/19 Winter transfer season. While Moses who announced his retirement from the national team shortly after the Russia 2018 World Cup finals moved from his English Premiership side, Chelsea, which incidentally was the same club Mikel featured for more than a decade. The Super Eagles’ captain headed back from the Asian nation of China to a lower side in England: Middleborough. The Nigeria international midfielder had actually spent the last two years in China with Tianjin TEDA but decided to join a promotion hopeful in the Championship after speculations about his move. Mikel made a move to Asia in January 2017 after spending over 10 seasons at Stamford Bridge.

During his time in West London, Mikel made 374 appearances and won numerous major honours from domestic to international levels. Among the honours Mikel garnered are two-time Premier League champions, three-time FA Cup winner and the owner of Champions League, Europa League and League Cup winners’ medals. That considerable experience he garnered is now about to be added to the fold at the Riverside Stadium as he seeks to help Boro secure a return to the top tier in England. Tony Pulis, the club manager, told the club’s official website after completing the prized capture: “I’m pleased to get him in. He is a man with a lot of experience and quality.” He added: “He (Mikel) has a winning mentality and he wants to be here and a part of what we are looking to achieve.” His two seasons in China were a contrast to his exploits with Chelsea. He had been without a club since the end of the Chinese Super League season in November, with the decision taken to sever ties with Tianjin TEDA. The 31-year-old now has a new challenge and a fresh start on his hands. A number of clubs from across Europe had been credited with holding an interest in putting terms to a seasoned performer.

Potential moves to Roma and Wolfsburg were mooted, but Mikel opted to head back to familiar surroundings in England. He has been handed the No. 2 shirt and becomes Boro’s second signing of the winter transfer window following the arrival of Rajiv Van La Parra on loan from Huddersfield. Mikel made his way to Teesside at the time Pulis’ team sat fifth in the Championship table, six points adrift of the automatic promotion places.

In a similar move, Chelsea’s Victor Moses completed his move to Fenerbahce on an 18-month loan deal. The Nigeria international, who announced his retirement from the Super Eagles last year, will remain with the Turkish side until the end of the 2019/20 season. The 28-year-old had made just six appearances for the Blues this season, and has played only 26 minutes in the Premier League.

His coming to Turkey is being celebrated by fans, especially in Istanbul. Moses has been showered with love by supporters since he completed a temporary move to Turkey. Moses stated shortly after he signed for the Turkish giants that he will give his best to the club side. The player took to his Twitter page, @VictorMoses, to also appreciate Chelsea and wish the Stamford Bridge club and their supporters all the best.

Moses twitted: “Delighted to have joined @Fenerbahce A huge club with incredible fans and an amazing history. Can’t wait to get going! I would also like to thank everyone at @ChelseaFC and I wish the team and the fans the very best for the future!” Moses will hope to lead Fenerbahce, who are currently on the 15th position in the Turkey top-flight league table, from relegating this season.