Former Ivory Coast star Yaya Toure has confessed that ex-Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi was the more deserving candidate for the 2013 CAF African Player of the Year award, which Toure won

Former Ivory Coast midfield maestro, Yaya Toure, has publicly acknowledged that former Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, was the rightful recipient of the 2013 CAF African Player of the Year award.

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Toure, who ultimately won the prestigious honour that year, made the surprising admission while appearing as a guest on Mikel Obi’s podcast.

Mikel Obi himself has long held the belief that he was unfairly denied the 2013 award, given his pivotal role in Nigeria’s triumphant campaign at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and his strong performances in the Premier League.

During their candid conversation on the podcast, Mikel Obi directly asked Toure, “Were you told you were going to win it before you came? Because I was told the same.”

In response, Yaya Toure stated unequivocally, “You deserve it, Obi, to be honest.”

Toure further elaborated on Mikel’s stellar year, adding, “The season was perfect… you were instrumental,” before clarifying that he himself was not informed of his impending win prior to the ceremony.

John Mikel Obi’s contributions in 2013 were indeed significant. He was a key figure in the Super Eagles’ Africa Cup of Nations victory and also enjoyed a commendable season with his club in the Premier League, leading many football observers and fans to believe he was the standout performer on the continent that year. Yaya Toure’s honest admission now adds further weight to that sentiment.