Mikel Obi denies wage demands blocked Victor Osimhen’s Chelsea move
Former Chelsea and Super Eagles star Mikel Obi has refuted claims that wage demands caused Victor Osimhen’s proposed move to Chelsea to collapse during the final hours of the summer transfer window.
Chelsea had made a late push to sign the Nigerian forward, but the deal couldn’t be finalized.
Napoli reportedly accepted an €80 million ($88.5 million) bid from Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli, but Osimhen hesitated to leave European football, stalling any potential transfer.
Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel, who was closely involved in the negotiations, revealed how close the transfer came to completion.
He emphasized that both parties made compromises, but the move fell apart due to last-minute complications.
“We were just hours away from getting it done,” Mikel explained. “Both sides—Victor and Chelsea—played their part, but we hit some paperwork and medical issues that couldn’t be resolved in time.”
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Mikel commended Chelsea’s ambition and Osimhen’s desire to join the club, revealing that the forward was deeply disappointed when the deal didn’t materialize.
He shared that after the transfer window closed, he had a conversation with Osimhen, offering encouragement and support.
“He was disappointed it didn’t happen,” Mikel said. “I told him to keep his head down and continue working hard. He’s a strong character, much like Didier Drogba or Diego Costa—strikers with that edge, which Chelsea needs.”
Mikel also dismissed any rumors of friction between Osimhen and Chelsea, stating that the relationship between both parties remains positive.
“There are no issues,” Mikel added. “If we pick this up again in January or next summer, we know where we left off. It’s just minor details that need to be sorted.”
Osimhen, who Mikel described as one of the best strikers in the world and Africa’s top player, has since joined Turkish giants Galatasaray on a season-long loan.
However, Mikel is confident that Chelsea and Osimhen could still find a way to make the transfer happen in the future.
“I’m not going to rest until I get him to the club. He’s not just Nigerian or a friend; he’s one of the best, and I know what he can bring to Chelsea,” Mikel concluded.
How much is Mike Tyson, Jake Paul getting paid for the fight?
Jake Paul, a former child star and social media influencer who began his professional boxing career in 2020, on Saturday secured a victory against former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in a boxing bout.
The fight was livestreamed worldwide on Netflix, and Paul won by unanimous decision.
While the outcome surprised some, the financial stakes were just as intense as the match itself, with both fighters set to earn huge sums for their efforts.
Mike Tyson, widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers in history, is 58 years old and has an estimated net worth of $10 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
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While this figure is modest compared to the hundreds of millions Tyson earned during his career, including $400 million in fight purses according to Forbes, he’s also made a remarkable comeback after declaring bankruptcy in 2013 at age 37.
Although promoters did not disclose Tyson’s exact earnings from the fight, reports from sources like DraftKings Network estimate he will earn around $20 million.
This figure is comparable to the amount Tyson earned for his 1988 match against Michael Spinks, which had a record purse at the time (worth approximately $53 million today when adjusted for inflation). That fight ended in just 91 seconds, with Tyson knocking out the previously undefeated Spinks.
Jake Paul, 27, is expected to earn approximately $40 million, according to estimates from DraftKings Network and other sources. This is double the amount Tyson is projected to make. One reason for this disparity may be Paul’s status as a top social media influencer, with 27 million followers on Instagram alone. Additionally, Paul is the co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), the company promoting the fight in partnership with Netflix.
Paul’s net worth is estimated at $80 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
I don’t think so – Mike Tyson on boxing retirement after loss to Paul
After his defeat to Jake Paul, 58-year-old boxing legend Mike Tyson indicated that he has no immediate plans to retire
This is just as he had praises for Paul who he stood toe-to-toe with till the final round and ultimately lost to by a unanimous decision.
“I’m really happy. He was a good fighter and well prepared,” Mike Tyson said. “I didn’t prove anything to anyone. Just to myself.”
Asked on a knee brace that he wore for the fight, Tyson said: “I can’t use that as an excuse or wouldn’t have been in there.”
Asked if this was the end for Tyson in the ring, he concluded: “I don’t think so.”
Mike Tyson’s controversial return to boxing ended in a one-sided defeat on Friday, with Youtuber-turned-prizefighter Jake Paul cruising to victory by unanimous decision against the heavyweight icon in Texas.
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Tyson, 58, barely landed a punch during the eight-round bout at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, with Paul winning by big margins on all three cards — 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73.
Paul, 27, used his superior speed and movement to dominate the ageing Tyson with ease, and had the former undisputed heavyweight champion in trouble after landing a flurry of punches in the third round.
Super Eagles seal AFCON 2025 spot, draw 1-1 against Benin
Victor Osimhen’s late header helped the Super Eagles of Nigeria secure a 1-1 draw against Benin Republic in Abidjan, clinching their qualification for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Benin, playing their matches in Côte d’Ivoire, took an early lead in the 16th minute when Mohammed Tijani headed in a short corner.
The goal followed a period of sustained pressure from the Beninoise side on the Nigerian defence.
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Benin nearly doubled their advantage shortly afterwards, but goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made a crucial save to keep Nigeria in the game.
Osimhen threatened as the first half progressed, with a powerful header that narrowly missed the target.
In the second half, Benin came close again, but a shot veered inches wide of the right post, sparing the Eagles further trouble.
With nine minutes remaining, Osimhen rose to the occasion, connecting with a precise cross from Moses Simon to level the score at 1-1.
With this result, the Super Eagles top Group D with 11 points from five matches, while Benin hold second place with seven points.
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