

The Obi One Podcast
John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy
Welcome to The Obi One Podcast. Join Chelsea and Nigeria legend, John Obi Mikel, as he chats candidly to the game’s biggest names. From former team-mates, to his greatest rivals, to some of today’s current heroes.Alongside Chris McHardy, renowned sports broadcaster, the pair bring you the dressing room secrets, the untold stories, the in-jokes and the disagreements.Make sure to download The Obi One Podcast for free on your preferred podcast platform NOW. You can also watch every episode - in full - on our YouTube channel - @obionepodcast
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 5, 2025 • 1h 24min
John Obi Mikel v Robbie Lyle: AFTV supremo gives his Arteta verdict & ‘snubs’ Drogba
Arsenal Fan TV host Robbie Lyle is the latest guest to join John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy on the Obi One Podcast, and as you’d expect, it’s full of passion and disagreements!
Robbie has built AFTV into the biggest fan network in the world and is well-versed in defending his team to the hilt, even in the face of a Chelsea great.
In this episode, Robbie reflects on the tenure of Mikel Arteta, ponders whether he is still the right man for the job and discusses what is needed in the summer transfer window.
Robbie and John also deliberate over a combined Chelsea-Arsenal XI, which leads to one astonishing omission.
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May 28, 2025 • 50min
Mission accomplished… for now: Obi Mikel’s Chelsea UCL verdict & Team of the Season
It’s a case of ‘I told you so’ for Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel as his former side achieve their No1 ambition this season of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. Mikel reflects on their win at Nottingham Forest on the final day, plus he looks ahead to their Europa League Conference showdown with Real Betis.
John and Chris also have praise for Ange Postecoglou, preview PSG v Inter Milan in the Champions League Final and pick their Premier League Team of the Season. Just how many Chelsea players does John manage to squeeze into his starting XI?
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May 22, 2025 • 43min
Nani exclusive: Swimming races with Ronaldo, becoming Fergie’s taxi driver & Messi trolling
Former Manchester United and Portugal winger Nani joins John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy on a brand new episode of the Obi One Podcast.
From his tough upbringing in Lisbon to lighting up the Theatre of Dreams with his dazzling array of skills, Nani opens up on a wide range of subjects, including his close relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, revealing just how competitive his compatriot can be. He also reminisces about a hilarious trip with boss Sir Alex Ferguson and explains how his son has been trolling him with YouTube clips of Lionel Messi!
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May 20, 2025 • 41min
D-Day for Chelsea: Obi Mikel on Forest, Maresca, Jackson & Osimhen
John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy reunite to preview the biggest week of Chelsea’s season: away to Nottingham Forest for a place in the UEFA Champions League before a date with Real Betis in the Europa Conference League showpiece.
John sticks to his guns on his former club, gives his verdict on Enzo Maresca’s future at the club and offers some friendly advice to Nicolas Jackson.
He’s far from happy with Erling Haaland, has special praise for Marc Cucurella and makes a final plea on behalf a certain Victor Osimhen.
All in the latest episode of Taking the Mikel.
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May 8, 2025 • 1h 3min
Bryan Mbeumo & Yoane Wissa exclusive: Thomas Frank’s secrets, life after Brentford & AFCON dreams
They are the Premier League’s most prolific strike partnership this season with 36 goals between them, and they’re the latest guests on the Obi One Podcast. Introducing Brentford’s dynamic duo Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa.
John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy are at Brentford’s training ground to find out a little more about what makes Bryan and Yoane tick.
From their friendship off to pitch, to their devastating relationship on it, the pair open up on a whole host of subjects including life under Thomas Frank, their ambitions for the future and their toughest opponent in the Premier League.
Flying the flags for Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo respectively, Mbeumo and Wissa also discuss their international ambitions and explain why success with their countries will always take precedent over club glory.
An in-depth discussion with two of the Premier League’s most underrated and assuming stars. Enjoy!
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Apr 24, 2025 • 1h 2min
Yaya Touré EXCLUSIVE: ‘Ending Cristiano’s dream, my Arsenal love & how I ALMOST joined Drogba at Chelsea
In the latest episode of the Obi One Podcast, John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy track down one of the greatest midfielders of his generation. A treble winner with Barcelona and one of the catalysts for Manchester City’s recent dominance. It’s Yaya Touré.Hailed by John as ‘the most complete African footballer to ever grace the Premier League, Touré cuts a laid back figure as he opens up on his early days at Barcelona, and how set about adapting to the demands of playing for ‘Més que un club’, which included a reluctant date with a certain Cristiano Ronaldo. Touré also gives his verdict on Pep Guardiola’s role in changing the game as we know it, reveals just how close he came to joining his ‘dream club’ Arsenal and lifts the lid on his relationship with fellow Ivorian, Didier Drogba. And there’s a bombshell admission to boot as well as he reveals the shock club he almost joined before land.https://www.instagram.com/obionepodcast?igsh=MWNzbHVocHdzeWZwdA==https://x.com/obionepodcast?s=21https://www.facebook.com/share/1AJ7ZPB4Cp/?mibextid=wwXIfr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 10, 2025 • 20min
Dries Mertens Exclusive: Galatasaray ‘lucky’ to have Osimhen & Hazard ‘not to blame’ for Belgium woes
Dries Mertens sits down with our very own John Obi Mikel to discuss life in Turkey with Galatasaray. The Belgian forward also reflects on finally ending Napoli’s 33 year wait for the Scudetto, explains why there was no problem with Eden Hazard in the Belgium set up and reserves special praise for team-mate Victor Osimhen.He may be 37 now, but Dries Mertens - Napoli’s all-time leading goalscorer with 148 goals - still has plenty left to achieve in the game. Enjoy!https://www.instagram.com/obionepodcast?igsh=MWNzbHVocHdzeWZwdA==https://x.com/obionepodcast?s=21https://www.facebook.com/share/1AJ7ZPB4Cp/?mibextid=wwXIfr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 8, 2025 • 1h 12min
Nkunku’s time up at Chelsea? | Jackson return | Lampard v De Bruyne | Kalou brain teaser
John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy reunite to reflect on Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Tottenham and goalless draw at Brentford - two results that have breathed new life into their Champions League hopes.What is Christopher Nkunku’s best position? And is Trevoh Chalobah the answer to Chelsea’s centre-back conundrum? John gives his verdict while he finally gives Nicolas Jackson his flowers! Kevin De Bruyne’s imminent Manchester City exit is another topic for conversation while John says it’s Okan Buruk who should be embarrassed and NOT José Mourinho after their comedic spat in Turkey.https://www.instagram.com/obionepodcast?igsh=MWNzbHVocHdzeWZwdA==https://x.com/obionepodcast?s=21https://www.facebook.com/share/1AJ7ZPB4Cp/?mibextid=wwXIfr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 7, 2025 • 1h 6min
Mamadou Sakho AKA ‘The Killer’: Gerrard’s slip, Mbappé’s critics & why he can’t say ‘Man Utd’
At just 17 years and eight months, Mamadou Sakho became Paris Saint Germain - and Ligue 1’s - youngest ever captain. A move to Liverpool followed where he would earn the nickname ‘The Killer’. Now plying his trade in Tbilisi, Georgia while managing a successful property business, Sakho joins John Obi Mikel to look back on his nomadic career.The no-nonsense defender gives his verdict on Steven Gerrard’s infamous slip. Did it cost Liverpool the title? Who was his toughest opponent and what is Zlatan Ibrahimovic like as a team-mate? Sakho also has a message for Kylian Mbappé and outlines why he’s never, EVER allowed to utter the words ‘Manchester United.’ Don’t miss it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 13, 2025 • 38min
Victor Osimhen RETURNS: Why He’s Loving Life At Galatasaray | No Chelsea Regrets
In this latest episode of the Obi One Podcast, John Obi Mikel reunites with his former Nigeria team-mate and a man he considers his ‘little brother’: Victor Osimhen.Things have changed dramatically for the 2023 African Footballer of the Year since we last caught up with him having swapped Napoli for Galatasaray.Back scoring goals, and more importantly, enjoying his football again, Osimhen opens up on life in Turkey, why he’s so grateful to Gala’s fanatical support and outlines his ambitions for the future.Osimhen also reflects on his time at Napoli, the lessons he learned under boss Luciano Spalletti and why former team-mate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is ready to propel PSG to European glory.ttps://www.instagram.com/obionepodcast?igsh=MWNzbHVocHdzeWZwdA==https://x.com/obionepodcast?s=21https://www.facebook.com/share/1AJ7ZPB4Cp/?mibextid=wwXIfr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


