Podcasts · Sports

The Obi One Podcast

John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy

108 episodes

Welcome to The Obi One Podcast. Join Chelsea and Nigeria legend, John Obi Mikel, as he chats candidly to the game’s biggest names. From former team-mates, to his greatest rivals, to some of today’s current heroes.

More about the show

Alongside Chris McHardy, renowned sports broadcaster, the pair bring you the dressing room secrets, the untold stories, the in-jokes and the disagreements.

Make sure to download The Obi One Podcast for free on your preferred podcast platform NOW. You can also watch every episode - in full - on our YouTube channel - @obionepodcast

Episodes page 1 of 3

  1. Mikel’s Spurs ‘told you so’: disgraceful Fernandes & United’s Conte warning

    · 1 h 19 min

    There’s an awful lot to unpack on this episode of Taking the Mikel as John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy dissect only Tottenham’s second league win at Chelsea in 36 years and the chaos that has engulfed Manchester United…

  2. André Ayew EXCLUSIVE: GFA Presidency Bid, Essien’s Brilliance & How Suarez ‘Killed’ Ghana’s Dream

    · 1 h 09 min

    The Obi One Podcast is in Accra, Ghana for an exclusive sit-down with André Ayew. Filmed in front of a live audience, Ayew talks candidly about making his own name and stepping out of the shadow of his father, Abedi…

  3. Chelsea boast ‘best in the league’, City ruling a MUST & Ronaldo verdict

    · 1 h 16 min

    John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy review a weekend that saw a Cole Palmer-inspired Chelsea hit Bournemouth for five and Manchester City put their legal woes behind them to thrash Liverpool at Anfield. Just how good is…

  4. Willian EXCLUSIVE: No Chelsea Regret, Lampard Love & Broken Arteta Promises

    · 1 h 00 min · S5 E4

    Willian is our special guest on this episode of the Obi One Podcast as the Brazilian reflects on his glittering career. Here, he opens on the protracted nature of his 11th hour move to Chelsea and reveals just how…

  5. ‘Don’t be naïve’: Obi Mikel reacts to Man City’s GUILTY verdict | names his Ballon d’Or winner

    · 50 min

    John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy have their say on the bombshell news that Manchester City have been found guilty of 114 charges related to breaches of Premier League regulations. What does this mean for the club…

  6. André Villas-Boas EXCLUSIVE: Bombshell Chelsea Revelations, Levy’s Tactics & His Porto Masterplan

    · 1 h 17 min

    André Villas-Boas joins the Obi One Podcast to set the record straight once and for all on his time at both Chelsea and Tottenham. And trust us, he doesn’t hold back! Welcoming John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy to FC…

  7. ‘They don’t know the rules’: Mikel’s VAR & throw-ins rage, Chelsea backing & Okocha plea

    · 1 h 12 min

    It’s the day after the night before and the VAR farce that has the whole footballing world talking. John Obi Mikel believes the ‘game is gone’, and he might not be wrong. From clueless refereeing officials to Michael…

  8. Obafemi Martins EXCLUSIVE: Learning from Ronaldo, Arsenal heartbreak & Osimhen appreciation

    · 50 min

    Obafemi Martins joins the Obi One Podcast to reflect on a career that burned bright for both club and country. In this episode, ‘ObaGoal’ reminisces about his big breakthrough at Inter Milan in 2002 and playing…

  9. ‘Get Martinez NOW’! Mikel slams Sanchez, picks Enzo’s replacement & defends Watkins

    · 1 h 29 min

    A winning start to life as Chelsea manager for Xabi Alonso has got John Obi Mikel excited. Here, him and Chris McHardy assess their 3-2 win at Fulham on the opening week, and explain why, in Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers…

  10. Jay-Jay Okocha EXCLUSIVE: Mentoring Ronaldinho, Bolton Madness & Real Madrid ‘Rejection’

    · 1 h 32 min

    John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy are back for Season 5, and they’re kicking it off with a player so good they named him twice: Nigerian legend Jay-Jay Okocha. In this candid, in-depth interview, Okocha sets the record…

  11. John Obi Mikel returns to break down the biggest stories in world football.

    · 57 min

    News broke this week that Sir Alex Ferguson had a verbal agreement for José Mourinho to succeed him at Manchester United back in 2013 — before Mourinho did a U-turn back to his beloved Chelsea. Mikel gives his honest…

  12. Mikel is BACK: Inside Alonso’s Chelsea revolution, Arsenal’s Vini Jnr reality check

    · 1 h 15 min

    New season. New studio. Same John Obi Mikel! Mikel is back with Chris McHardy as they look ahead to the brand new domestic football season. As Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea revolution takes shape, the guys analyse the new…

  13. ‘They deserved it’: Arsenal humble Mikel, Pep v Sir Alex, Xabi Alonso coup & why Salah is RIGHT!

    · 1 h 14 min

    It’s the morning after the night before and Arsenal’s first Premier League title in 22 years. John Obi Mikel gives his verdict, and there’s begrudging respect there. With Pep Guardiola set to depart Manchester City…

  14. ‘Chelsea’s DNA gone’: Palmer ‘lost’, players want out & zero direction | What now? 🫣

    · 1 h 03 min

    Chelsea is a club on its knees. Six successive league defeats, four on the bounce at Stamford Bridge and the worst run of results since 1993. Little wonder then, Blues legend John Obi Mikel is crestfallen. Resigned to…

  15. ‘Chelsea’s DNA gone’: Palmer ‘lost’, players want out & zero direction | What now? 🫣

    · 1 h 03 min

    Chelsea is a club on its knees. Six successive league defeats, four on the bounce at Stamford Bridge and the worst run of results since 1993. Little wonder then, Blues legend John Obi Mikel is crestfallen. Resigned to…

  16. Chelsea in Crisis: FA Cup salvation, JT’s snub & why Filipe Luís should be boss

    · 1 h 17 min

    There’s no shortage of talking points for John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy to wade through after a tumultuous week that saw Chelsea sack boss Liam Rosenior AND reach the FA Cup Final. As always, Mikel doesn’t hold…

  17. Arteta’s worries & Rosenior’s woes: Obi Mikel reacts as Arsenal cede title control & Chelsea lose again

    · 1 h 09 min

    John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy discuss the weekend’s top stories as Manchester City wrestle control of the title race from Arsenal. It’s now just one win in six for the Gunners as they are edged out at the Etihad…

  18. Chokers, Cherki & Chelsea: ‘I told you so’ as Obi Mikel talks Arsenal, Pep’s secret weapon & Delap

    · 1 h 17 min

    John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy walk back arguably the best weekend of the Premier League season so far as Arsenal hand the title initiative to City, Chelsea draw a blank (again) and Tottenham’s relegation troubles…

  19. Obi Mikel wants Rosenior OUT on one condition, shock Spurs admission & blasts CAF decision-makers

    · 1 h 13 min

    In this episode of Taking the Mikel, John Obi and Chris McHardy delve into Chelsea’s recent woes. From defeats on the pitch to key players speaking out on Enzo Maresca’s departure. What does it all mean for Liam…

  20. Mariga & Wanyama Exclusive: Pochettino’s Special Talent, Fatherly José & Eto’o Africa’s GOAT

    · 59 min

    John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy are in Nairobi in this episode of the podcast to catch up with Kenyan trailblazers: brothers MacDonald Mariga and Victor Wanyama. First up, Mariga lifts the lid on working with José…

  21. Salomon Kalou Exclusive: Abramovich’s Secret House, Drogba’s Ferrari & THAT Ballack Punch-Up

    · 1 h 29 min

    John Obi Mikel and Salomon Kalou have had a brotherly bond since their days together at Chelsea. And that unique friendship is on display here as the two men reunite for a candid and, at times, hilarious jaunt down…

  22. Obi Mikel ERUPTS: Arsenal’s ‘cheat code’ a sign of Arteta’s ‘lazy coaching’

    · 1 h 30 min

    Things get heated in this episode of Taking the Mikel as John Obi can’t hide his disgust at what he calls Arsenal’s “cheat code”: their set-pieces. No one is safe as the former Chelsea man hits out at Mikel Arteta and…

  23. Obi Mikel’s verdict: Arsenal Still Lacking | Defending Rosenior | José (& Clattenburg) v Vini Jnr

    · 1 h 07 min

    Taking the Mikel is back with a bang as John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy run the rule over a controversial week. First up, the race for the Premier League title, and Mikel refuses to get carried away with Arsenal’s…

  24. Luís Figo reveals all: ‘No - Ronaldo played with ME!’, the mental toll of that Barca-Real transfer & the greatest Galactico

    · 52 min

    Luís Figo is a footballing icon. One of the greatest players of his generation, a Ballon d’Or winner and the subject of one of the most controversial and talked about transfers of all time. Here, the Portuguese sits…

  25. Wilfried Bony: Secret Wenger Meeting | Rejecting Arsenal | Yaya v Drogba | Magic Of Winning AFCON

    · 47 min

    The Obi One Podcast is on the road again, this time in Abidjan for a live event with special guest Wilfried Bony. A cult hero at Swansea, a League Cup winner with Manchester City and an African champion with his…

  26. Diego Costa Exclusive: ‘Nobody Liked Conte At Chelsea’ | Mourinho V Simeone | Why Bad Boy Image Was Unfair

    · 33 min

    Diego Costa is a two-time Premier League winner, a Chelsea cult hero, and a man who gave many a defender sleepless nights He remains, however, somewhat of an enigma. In this exclusive interview, Diego sits down with…

  27. Atiba Hutchinson: Besiktas legend on life under Solskjaer | Mourinho & Osimhen verdicts

    · 26 min

    The Obi One Podcast is on the road again, this time back in Istanbul to chat to Besiktas’ cult hero Atiba Hutchinson. The Canadian spent a decade with the club, winning three league titles and a Turkish Cup during…

  28. New Year, New Managers: Chelsea Chaos, United Ownership Mess & Osimhen’s Passion

    · 1 h 11 min

    New Year, New Managers! We kick things off with why Maresca’s exit felt like an “accident waiting to happen” — and John Obi Mikel asks the big question: what’s Chelsea’s objective right now? Then it’s on to…

  29. Advice for Maresca, Salah backing & Nigeria home truths

    · 1 h 40 min

    Settle in, folks as John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy bring you this extended version of Taking the Mikel, and for good reason, as there’s no shortage of talking points. In this episode, the guys try to decipher Enzo…

  30. Gary Lineker Unfiltered: BBC Row, Sh*tting Himself & Why Ronaldo Isn’t On Messi’s ‘Level’

    · 1 h 24 min

    He’s one of the most recognisable faces in the UK for his work on - and off - the pitch. A prolific goalscorer for England turned host of the BBC’s iconic Match of the Day TV programme. Now embarking on a new chapter…

  31. Chelsea ‘better than’ Arsenal, finally the ‘real’ Reece James & unsung hero Pedro Neto

    · 1 h 05 min

    John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy are back in the hotseats as they pour over Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with league leaders Arsenal. Did Moises Caicedo deserve his red card? And what did we learn about Chelsea as again, in the…

  32. Obi Mikel meets Roberto Carlos: Inside story of Real Madrid’s Galacticos, Beckham’s brilliance & Ronaldo’s ‘98 woes

    · 48 min

    John Obi Mikel is in Madrid to catch up with arguably the greatest left-back in the history of the game: Roberto Carlos. In this wide-ranging interview, the Brazilian legend opens up on what life was like as a Real…

  33. The death of Nigeria’s World Cup dream: ‘Voodoo’ farce, NFF cull & a future Obi Mikel role?

    · 51 min

    There’s only one thing on John Obi Mikel’s mind in this episode of Taking the Mikel: Nigeria’s failure to reach the World Cup Finals. Again. The former Super Eagles captain calls for every member of the NFF to stand…

  34. John Terry RETURNS: ‘Disgraceful’ Abramovich treatment, Diego Costa shithousery & his dream Chelsea signing

    · 1 h 24 min

    ‘Mr Chelsea’ himself John Terry returns to the Obi One Podcast. Only this time he joins his former teammate John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy in front of a live audience at the Clapham Grand in London. JT and Mikel…

  35. Chelsea trio ‘best in the world’, absurd Guardiola criticism & same old Arsenal?

    · 1 h 07 min

    John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy are back with a new Taking the Mikel as they reflect on a weekend that saw the old Manchester City return in their 3-0 win over Liverpool. Obi Mikel goes to war with Pep Guardiola…

  36. Filipe Luís exclusive: Simeone’s Genius, How I Beat Chelsea & My Managerial Secrets

    · 36 min

    In this episode of the Obi One Podcast, John Obi Mikel sits down with a young manager destined for the very top: his former Chelsea team-mate Filipe Luís. In this exclusive, in-depth conversation, Filipe Luís…

  37. Chelsea’s biggest issue explained, ‘Arsenal’s title to lose’ & Nigeria’s ref controversy

    · 1 h 10 min

    John Obi Mikel is back in the hotseat alongside Chris McHardy for the latest episode of Taking the Mikel. Chelsea’s 2-1 home defeat to Sunderland leads to uncomfortable truths as the issue of consistency rears its…

  38. Zico exclusive: Why I’d pick Cristiano over Messi and Africa’s greatest ever is…

    · 13 min

    John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy are in Rio de Janeiro to speak to one of Brazilian football’s favourite sons: Zico. Affectionately known as the ‘White Pele’, the former No10 is arguably the greatest player never to…

  39. Enzo-ball claims ‘biggest scalp’? Caicedo the ‘world’s best’

    · 45 min

    John Obi Mikel is a happy camper in this episode of Taking the Mikel as Chelsea produce their best performance of the season to down Liverpool. Obi explains why the win might just be bigger than any other for Enzo…

  40. Obi Mikel meets Oscar: Snubbing Spurs for Chelsea, Conte’s ‘12th man’ & REAL reason for China move

    · 52 min

    To kick off Season 4, John Obi Mikel has flown almost 7,400 miles to Brazil to catch up with his former Chelsea team-mate Oscar Emboaba. Now at boyhood club São Paulo, Oscar reflects on his five year stay at Chelsea,…

  41. John Obi Mikel: Ill discipline KILLING Chelsea & Maresca; why Amorim is a ‘dead man walking’

    · 1 h 02 min

    Back-to-back Premier League defeats for Chelsea has John Obi Mikel worried in this episode of Taking the Mikel. John explains why a side containing John Terry would NEVER have been as naive as the Blues were in defeat…

  42. Chelsea’s BIG goalkeeper ‘regret’, Mourinho’s fibbing & Arteta’s ‘handbrake’

    · 56 min

    In this episode of Taking the Mikel, John Obi can’t hide his frustration after Chelsea’s defeat at Manchester United. Was the criticism of Robert Sanchez and boss Enzo Maresca fair? And what concerns with this Chelsea…

  43. John Obi Mikel is BACK! Garnacho verdict, Donnarumma regret & Nigeria anger 😡

    · 1 h 06 min

    After a summer stint with DAZN at the FIFA Club World Cup, John Obi Mikel is reunited with Chris McHardy for the first Taking the Mikel episode of the new season. 🔥 Here, John reflects on Chelsea’s success Stateside,…

  44. Peter Crouch exclusive: ‘Falling short’ at Liverpool, Gerrard ‘cheating’ with Torres & struggles over ‘the way he looked’

    · 51 min

    Peter Crouch is football’s BFG. A player who perhaps never got the plaudits his talent deserved on the pitch and who’s now flourishing off it with his eponymous Peter Crouch Podcast and as a pundit for TNT Sports.…

  45. Eni Aluko speaks her truth: Barton, Racism & FIFA’s eligibility rules

    · 58 min

    It’s fair to say former Chelsea and England forward Eni Aluko has been in the wars of late. Here, the footballer-turned-pundit has her say on a wide range of subjects including her well-publiced legal battle with Joey…

  46. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink: Why I’d pick Jackson over Osimhen

    · 52 min

    On the latest episode of the Obi One Podcast, John Obi Mikel sits down for a chat with another Chelsea great: Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. The former Blues No9 gives his verdict on the current Chelsea side under Enzo…

  47. Andy Cole exclusive: Keegan feud, the REAL reason he never took pens & Hojlund v Zirkzee

    · 1 h 10 min

    He’s a Treble winner and fourth on the Premier League’s all-time scoring list with 187 goals. Introducing the latest guest on the Obi One Podcast: Manchester United legend Andy Cole. ‘Coley’ sits down with John Obi…

  48. John Obi Mikel v Robbie Lyle: AFTV supremo gives his Arteta verdict & ‘snubs’ Drogba

    · 1 h 20 min

    Arsenal Fan TV host Robbie Lyle is the latest guest to join John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy on the Obi One Podcast, and as you’d expect, it’s full of passion and disagreements! Robbie has built AFTV into the biggest…

  49. Mission accomplished… for now: Obi Mikel’s Chelsea UCL verdict & Team of the Season

    · 48 min

    It’s a case of ‘I told you so’ for Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel as his former side achieve their No1 ambition this season of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. Mikel reflects on their win at Nottingham Forest…

  50. Nani exclusive: Swimming races with Ronaldo, becoming Fergie’s taxi driver & Messi trolling

    · 41 min

    Former Manchester United and Portugal winger Nani joins John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy on a brand new episode of the Obi One Podcast. From his tough upbringing in Lisbon to lighting up the Theatre of Dreams with his…

Shows are listed from Apple Podcasts' charts and directory, and Podcast Index where it is used. Every show and episode belongs to its publisher and plays from the publisher's own feed; this site hosts none of them. Explicit shows are for adult profiles only, and children’s profiles hear only children’s shows. More about this list.