FC Porto teen sensation Chidozie Awaziem says captain of the Nigeria senior national team John Mikel Obi is similar to his FC Porto teammate, the legendary Iker Casillas when it comes to motivating young players.
Highly tipped to be handed his debut by new Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr, the FC Porto defender who was in the Nigerian team for the AFCON 2017 tie against Tanzania, ironically grew up in same state in Nigeria with the Chelsea star.
Awaziem was a 9 year old teen in Jos, same area as Mikel when the Chelsea man moved to Stamford Bridge in 2005, and the 19 year old says he still can’t believe he is a teammate to Mikel in the national team.
” I’m based in Jos, same place as senior man (Mikel) , have heard a lot of good things about him, but there is more to him than just been good, he is every young player’s delight” He said to Owngoalnigeria.com.
” I found it hard to approach him, when he first came to camp, but Mikel is the type who will approach you, if you don’t and always willing to find out if all is well, he reminds me of Casillas, the way he is treating me is no different.
” Mikel and Casillas are natural leaders, their aura inspires you, even before they say a word, their presence alone is enough motivation”.
