Former Super Eagles captain and Chelsea legend, Mikel Obi, has voiced his disappointment with Chelsea’s Nicholas Jackson following the club’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester City, in their first loss of the Premier League season.
Jackson had multiple opportunities to score but failed to convert, leaving the Blues goalless against the defending champions.
Mikel, who was a key figure in Chelsea’s midfield during his playing days, did not mince words in his critique of the Senegalese forward.
He blamed the former Villarreal CF striker for squandering crucial chances that could have changed the outcome of the match.
It seems Jackson is only continuing from where he left off last season, with significant misses and offside goals.
Mikel expressed his concerns, stating, “I have nothing against this player. It wasn’t his fault that Chelsea brought him to the club, but the truth is, he cannot help Chelsea. Mikel remarked during a post-match interview with beIN Sports.
I know I often criticize him, and it may come across as disrespect, but that’s not my intention.”
“Jackson does a little bit here and there but we need a top striker. You need a striker who knows how to find the back of the net, and that’s something we’re missing,” Mikel added.
Mikel’s comments underline a pressing issue for Chelsea’s need for a reliable, traditional striker who can consistently convert chances into goals. With the team at risk of becoming a mid-table side, finishing 8th or 9th, the urgency to address this shortcoming is clear.
One possible solution is Nigerian international Victor Osimhen, who plays for Napoli and has been linked to Chelsea The defeat could serve as a wake-up call for Chelsea to expedite negotiations and secure Osimhen’s signature as soon as possible.
