The Super Eagles midfielder had gone on
for seven years in the Premier League without a goal. The goal helped
the Stamford Bridge team to a 2-0 win over their London neighbours.
Mourinho said, “Good for him, good for
us. I think it is good for his confidence. And I think people enjoyed
seeing John (Obi Mikel) score a goal.“The goal was a shot in a set-piece, in a
corner, a rebound, the finishing was good and he was in the position,
but the important thing for me is he played a good game, he gave balance
and stability.“He kept very good control of the game, so I am happy with the way John is playing.”
The Nigeria midfielder’s previous goals were in successive FA Cup rounds
in January 2007 against Macclesfield and Nottingham Forest and
thereafter it became a long waiting game. The goal against Fulham saw
Chelsea billionaire owner Roman Abramovic in standing ovation for Mikel
and in the remaining minutes the Nigerian was urged to shoot by the
Stamford Bridge faithfuls, even when in his more customary position,
protecting the back four.But a rare move on Saturday produced a goal that analysts believe would
bolster his chase for the African Football of the Year award. The
Nigerian has posted good showing through the year in major competitions
at the Africa Cup of Nations, Europa League and the FIFA Confederations
Cup.
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