I could not afford football boots: Ex-Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi opens up on grass to grace story

Mikel Obi remains one of Nigeria's greatest-ever footballers, boasting a career spanning over a decade at the highest level of the game.

Obi’s illustrious football journey has seen him excel at both club and international levels. He was a pivotal figure at Chelsea, Tianjin Teda, Trabzonspor, and Middlesbrough, amassing a collection of titles and individual honours.

However, it was not always smooth sailing for one of Nigeria's finest as the ex-Chelsea man recalled a time when he could not even afford football boots.

Speaking to Pulse Sports during the recently concluded Back2Base Novelty match held at Radisson Blu, Lagos State, on Monday, Obi told his story.

"I couldn't afford football boots growing up," Mikel Obi said.

"My first pair of boots were given to me by a friend who really believed in me. 

"He was a big inspiration for me growing up, he was from a rich family and he gave me a chance to do what I loved."

Meanwhile, Mikel Obi has declared the AFCON 2013 triumph as the best moment of his career. - Read More here.