John-Mikel Obi responds to Nicolas Jackson's Instagram backlash
Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel has addressed the criticism directed at him by Blues forward Nicolas Jackson following their recent match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Nicolas Jackson, who netted Chelsea’s opening goal in their impressive 6-2 win at Molineux on Sunday, August 25, 2026, voiced his dissatisfaction through a post on his official Instagram account.
The Senegalese forward was responding to comments made by John Obi Mikel during a live broadcast on Bein Sports. Mikel’s remarks were made while covering Chelsea’s season opener against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.
In his statement, Jackson expressed disappointment over Mikel’s critique, which seems to have struck a chord with the young forward. Mikel, known for his calm demeanor both on and off the pitch, decided to respond to the situation, shedding light on his perspective.
He stated…
“You need a striker who can consistently find the back of the net, and that’s what we’re lacking. I know I criticize him often, and it might seem disrespectful, but it’s not. Chelsea needs a top striker who can score goals.”
What did Nicolas Jackson say to John Obi-Mikel?
“Shut your mouth, don’t talk nonsense. We are giving our all for Africa”
What did Mikel say to Jackson?
Mikel responded to Jackson via his podcast channel, The Obi One Podcast where he explained his stand and what he meant on Bein Sports.
He said,
“I really like the guy as a football player, I like him. There is something as a football player, you know I have not said he is a bad player at all. I just said his finishing qualities is not there yet. All I have said is that he needs a more experienced striker to come in, to help him improve, to help him get better because we all know, we all can see the shift he puts in week in, week out. So for me, I will like to see my African brother as he said do well in the Premier League. Come to Chelsea, a massive club where we have had one of the greatest strikers in Didier Drogba from Ivory Coast did really well. I will like to see him do well in the club. So for me, if he plays well, I will praise him, if there is something to be said about him when he needs to improve, I will definitely say it and you know if he scores every week and he tells me to shut up, I will take that.”
Jackson scored 17 goals last season for the Blues across all competitions, Chelsea fans will hope he continues in the same form this season (2024/25).
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