Nigerian singer Oluwatosin Ajibade, popularly known as Mr Eazi, has claimed that Chelsea approached him over a potential signing before the English Premier League club recruited former Super Eagles midfielder John Obi Mikel.
The singer made the revelation during an interview with Beat FM on Wednesday, explaining that he chose to pursue music while Mikel went on to establish himself at the London club.
According to Mr Eazi, both men were linked to a possible move to Chelsea, but he decided to focus 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 potential to succeed 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,” he added.
Mr Eazi Speaks On Letting Others Shine
The singer also linked the story to his approach to the music industry, suggesting that he sometimes steps back to allow others to enjoy the spotlight while pursuing his own ambitions.
“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 said.
He also referenced fellow Nigerian singer 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,” Mr Eazi said he was comfortable allowing others to take centre stage while pursuing his own goals.
Mikel’s Successful Chelsea Career
John Obi Mikel joined Chelsea in 2006 and spent more than a decade at the club, becoming an important member of the midfield.
During his time with the Premier League side, the former Nigeria international won several major honours, including two Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League.
Mr Eazi, meanwhile, built a career in Nigeria’s music industry and internationally, becoming known for his distinctive sound and contributions to Afrobeats.
His comments offer an account of the alternative career path he says he could have pursued before committing to music.
