Even after retiring from football, Nigerian legend John Obi Mikel stays connected to the sport through his podcast and enjoys family life with his wife, Olga Diyachenko, and their twin daughters. Their love story, filled with unexpected twists, has captivated fans worldwide.
A Chance Meeting Turned Love Story
John Obi Mikel and Olga Diyachenko first met in 2013 under unusual circumstances. Despite being neighbours in London for five years, they only crossed paths when Olga went to drop off keys for her parents, who were moving out of the building.
“It was never a magical love story… we were neighbors for years but only met that day,” Olga later shared.
Their bond grew quickly. By January 2014, they began dating, and within months, Olga moved in with Mikel. Their engagement followed in September 2014. Rumors of a wedding surfaced in 2015, but the details remain a mystery. Some reports claim the ceremony was in Russia, while others suggest a traditional Nigerian celebration.
A Growing Family
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On September 13, 2015, the couple welcomed twin daughters, Ava and Mia. The Diyachenko-Mikel household celebrates a blend of cultures, with their daughters growing up as “citizens of the world.” Olga insists their children should decide for themselves which traditions—Russian, Nigerian, or British—to embrace.
A Woman of Many Talents
Born on November 10, 1990, Olga Diyachenko is much more than a footballer’s wife. The daughter of Russian billionaire Oleg Diyachenko, Olga graduated with honors from Regent’s Business School and earned a master’s degree in Entrepreneurial Management from Regent’s University London.
After her studies, she modeled for top Russian brands and co-founded the fashion label Allegra de Lago. However, motherhood became her priority after the birth of her daughters, leading her to step back from modeling.
A Life of Elegance and Family Values
Olga maintains an open Instagram account with nearly 44,000 followers, where she shares glimpses of her family life. From celebrating holidays with her daughters to attending tennis practices, her posts highlight a life full of love and dedication. She also shares moments of personal fitness and her involvement in charity events.
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Despite their busy schedules, Olga and Mikel prioritize time together. They respect each other’s cultures, alternating vacations between Russia and Nigeria. Their love and mutual understanding have helped them navigate challenges, including rumors of a split in 2019.
A Strong and Loving Partnership
John Obi Mikel often expresses his admiration for Olga, praising her cooking skills, particularly with Nigerian dishes. Olga, in turn, enjoys Nigerian music, even though she’s not a fan of Nollywood films. Their shared respect and deep connection have kept their bond strong over the years.
Today, the couple continues to thrive, enjoying a family life filled with love, laughter, and cherished traditions from their unique cultural backgrounds.
