Nigerian singer and entrepreneur Mr Eazi has shared a surprising story from his past, revealing that Chelsea Football Club once approached him with a professional contract offer before they signed his close friend and academy teammate John Obi Mikel. The Banku music pioneer made the revelation during a recent interview on The Beat 99.9 FM.
Speaking candidly, Mr Eazi explained that the two young players trained together at the same academy in Nigeria when the Premier League club showed interest. He chose a different path because he already understood where his true passion lay.
“Chelsea Football Club approached me to sign before Mikel Obi when we were at the same academy, but I turned them down because I knew I could do music, while my friend Mikel only wanted to play football. So I allowed him to shine,” he said.
The decision marked a clear fork in the road for both men. Mikel went on to enjoy a distinguished 11-year career at Chelsea, collecting major trophies including the Premier League title and the UEFA Champions League. Meanwhile, Mr Eazi, born Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade in 1991, built an impressive career of his own by pioneering the Banku sound, launching the emPawa Africa initiative to support emerging African artists, and establishing himself as a respected entrepreneur and investor.
Mr Eazi framed the choice as one rooted in self-awareness rather than any lack of football ability. He recognized that football represented Mikel’s singular focus and primary dream, while music offered him a clearer sense of purpose and long-term fulfilment. The story has drawn warm reactions from fans who praised the singer’s humility and the strength of the friendship that allowed him to step aside.