Mikel Obi Breaks Silence On How His Family Threatened To Blackmail Him If He Stops Sending Them Money

Former Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi, opened up about the challenges he faced with family members attempting to blackmail him for money during a podcast with 'Vibe With 5'. The ex-Chelsea star, who played a crucial role in the 2011–12 UEFA Champions League victory, shared how he had to set boundaries when his family became overly reliant on him financially.

Mikel revealed that his family members reached a point where they threatened to go to the press if he didn't meet their financial demands. He emphasized the pressure on African footballers to support not only immediate family but also extended relatives. The 35-year-old highlighted the complexities of managing finances in a cultural context where financial responsibility often extends beyond the immediate family.

He expressed how relatives, including cousins and in-laws, would depend on him, and even the money intended for his sisters sometimes ended up being used by their husbands. Mikel shed light on the challenges faced by African players, who, upon achieving financial success, find themselves burdened with the expectations of supporting an extensive network of family members.

The former Arsenal and Man City player, Emmanuel Adebayor, had previously spoken about facing similar pressures, revealing how family attempts to manipulate money led him to contemplate suicide. Mikel's candid discussion adds to the growing awareness of the financial challenges and emotional toll experienced by African athletes navigating familial expectations.