John Obi Mikel vs Nwankwo Kanu
Nigeria against Nigeria. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
John Obi Mikel
Nigeria · 2012–18 · CDM
- Almanac rating
- 86
- Rank in Nigeria
- #7 of 33
- Caps
- 91 · 6 goals
- Clubs
- Chelsea, Tianjin Jinmen Tiger, Stoke City
- Honours
- Hall of Fame
On 26 June 2018, the day Nigeria played Argentina at the World Cup, he learned his father had been kidnapped, said nothing to the dressing room and played the full ninety minutes. Mikel won the Champions League and then the Europa League with Chelsea in 2012 and 2013, two Premier League titles, four FA Cups and two League Cups, the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria, and Olympic bronze in Rio as captain. Career record: 91 caps and 6 goals for Nigeria; club career at Chelsea, Tianjin Jinmen Tiger, Stoke City; honours include Hall of Fame.
Nwankwo Kanu
Nigeria · 1995–2008 · CAM
- Almanac rating
- 90
- Rank in Nigeria
- #2 of 33
- Caps
- 87 · 12 goals
- Clubs
- Arsenal, West Bromwich Albion, Portsmouth
- Honours
- Hall of Fame
Trailing Brazil 3-1 in the Atlanta semi-final on 31 July 1996, Kanu equalised in the last minute and then struck the golden goal four minutes into extra time to win it 4-3. He captained Nigeria to Olympic gold days later, won the 1995 Champions League and three Dutch titles with Ajax, two Premier Leagues and two FA Cups with Arsenal, scored Portsmouth's 2008 FA Cup final winner, and was African Footballer of the Year in 1996 and 1999. Career record: 87 caps and 12 goals for Nigeria; club career at Arsenal, West Bromwich Albion, Portsmouth; honours include Hall of Fame.
The verdict
The almanac puts Nwankwo Kanu ahead by 4 rating points, 90 against 86.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.