Esin: Mikel was a big flop

Former Nigeria star Etim Esin has slammed John Obi Mikel for his performances at the World Cup in the iconic number 10 jersey.

Esin is a custodian of the famous jersey number and it has long been debated whether he or Jay-Jay Okocha is the greatest Nigerian number 10.

BRAZIL, Campinas : Nigeria’s midfielder John Obi Mikel takes part in a training session in Campinas, Sao Paulo, on June 18, 2014, during the 2014 FIFA Football World Cup. AFP PHOTO

The former attacking midfielder expressed disappointment that Mikel did not set the scene alight in Brazil like other key players at the tournament have.

“Mikel was a big flop in Brazil. He wears Nigeria’s number 10 jersey but he did not show he is worthy of wearing it at the big stage like the World Cup,” the former Eagles international said.

“He rose to the occasion in South Africa (at AFCON 2013), but in Brazil he was not committed and ended up as a monumental disaster.”

“Look at how other players who wore number 10 jerseys

for their respective countries have been playing including Messi, Neymar, Sneijder and the young chap from Colombia, James Rodriquez.

“He failed to carry Eagles along as the pilot of the team. Have you seen a number 10 that did not make a goal attempt let alone of scoring. Jokes apart, Mikel has not shown he deserves to wear our No.10 jersey.”

He added: “He should go and watch the video clips of Henry Nwosu and Jay Jay Okocha including my humble self and get some tutorials on how they played as Nigeria’s No.10. You must be special to wear the No.10 jersey and for me, he has not done anything special.

“While Musa and Osaze were busy taking all the free kicks and corner kicks he was idle strolling in the pitch. As soon as Onazi was stretched out, he was exposed.

“I don’t have anything against Mikel, when he came into limelight I was one of the first person that tipped him for greatness, but I am amazed that he has yet to live up to expectations and I am highly disappointed.”