Why I chose music over football — Mr Eazi

Politics Spice Special Features Education Sex & Relationship Interview Columns Opinion Advertise with us Why I chose music over football — Mr Eazi News October 28, 2026 1:00 pm Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade aka Mr. Eazi

Nigerian singer, Mr Eazi, has claimed that Chelsea Football Club approached him about a potential signing before the English club secured the services of former Super Eagles midfielder, John Obi Mikel.

The singer made the revelation during an interview with the Beat FM monitored by PUNCH Online on Wednesday, explaining that he stepped aside to pursue a music career while Mikel went on to join the Premier League side.

According to Mr Eazi, he and Mikel were both linked to a possible move to Chelsea, but he decided to focus on music instead.

“They were gonna sign me. So it was like me and Mikel Obi,” he said.

Mr Eazi added that he believed Mikel was better suited to football, while he could pursue his own ambitions 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.

He further compared the decision to his approach to the music industry, suggesting that he sometimes steps back to allow other people 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.

The singer also referenced fellow Nigerian artiste Seyi Vibez, whom he jokingly described as a great Nigerian philosopher for his message about allowing others to succeed.

Quoting the phrase, “Let your brother shine,” Mr Eazi explained that he was comfortable allowing others to take centre stage while he pursued his own goals.

Mikel, meanwhile, went on to establish himself as a prominent midfielder, joining Chelsea in 2006 and spending more than a decade at the club. He won several major honours, including two Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League.

Mr Eazi has built a successful career in the Nigerian and international music industries, becoming known for his distinctive sound and contributions to the growth of Afrobeats.

Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues.

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