Mr Eazi explains why he chose music over football, claiming Chelsea considered signing him before John Obi Mikel joined the club
Nigerian singer Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade, popularly known as Mr Eazi, has claimed that Chelsea Football Club approached him about a possible signing before the English side secured the services of former Super Eagles midfielder John Obi Mikel.
The singer made the revelation during an interview with Beat FM on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, explaining that he decided to pursue music while Mikel went on to establish himself in professional football.
According to Mr Eazi, both men were linked to a potential move to Chelsea, but he chose to concentrate on his musical ambitions.
“They were gonna sign me. So it was like me and Mikel Obi,” he said.
Mr Eazi explained that he believed Mikel was better suited to football, while he had the ability to build a career in music.
“I just thought that Mikel Obi is not, he doesn’t have talent as a musician. But I can do that. So I let Mikel go to Chelsea,” the singer said.
The remark appeared to be delivered humorously, as he reflected on the different paths the two Nigerians took in their respective careers.
The singer also used the opportunity to explain his approach to success in the entertainment industry, suggesting that he was comfortable stepping aside at times to allow others to enjoy the spotlight.
“So with this, with the music too, I had to, like, step back, go make a couple billions and then let other people shine,” he added.
Mr Eazi further referenced fellow Nigerian musician Seyi Vibez, whom he jokingly described as a great Nigerian philosopher because of his message about allowing others to succeed.
Quoting the phrase, “Let your brother shine,” the singer said he was comfortable allowing others to take centre stage while continuing to pursue his own ambitions.
His comments highlighted his perspective on competition and success, with the singer suggesting that other people’s achievements do not necessarily prevent him from reaching his own goals.
Mikel eventually joined Chelsea in 2006 and went on to spend more than a decade at the London club, becoming an important figure in its midfield.
During his time at Stamford Bridge, the former Nigeria international won several major honours, including two Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League.
He also represented Nigeria at international level, helping the Super Eagles win the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013.
Mr Eazi, meanwhile, established himself in the Nigerian and international music industries, gaining recognition for his distinctive sound and contribution to the growth of Afrobeats.
Although the singer’s claim about Chelsea considering him for a signing was not independently established in the interview report, his account offered a humorous explanation of how he chose a different professional path from Mikel.
The two Nigerians ultimately pursued separate careers, with Mikel making his mark in European football and Mr Eazi building a name for himself in music.
