Former Nigeria captain, John Mikel Obi, has named the favourite coaches he worked with during his playing career.

Mikel Obi played most of his club football for Chelsea in the Premier League.

During that time, he worked with big-name managers like Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, Robert Di Mateo, etc.

Mikel Obi, speaking with ThisDay, picked Di Mateo as the one who really understood him and ensured he played with freedom.

However, with the Super Eagles, the former midfielder said the late Stephen Keshi was the best.

“At Chelsea, Di Mateo really understood me and that’s why in 2012, I had my best moments with the club because he gave me the freedom to play to express who I am on the pitch.

“But in the national team, it’s a straightforward answer, Late Stephen Okechukwu Keshi (Big Boss).

“I have not seen a man like him, he was a special person. I recalled the way he resolves problems and he was such a calm fellow with the way he dishes out instructions,” he said.

“Everything was just perfect and during the games, he knew what he was doing and we all respect him for that as a former player, captain and manager.”