Former Super Eagles and Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi has criticised African players who have often declined to play for their country of origin rather than playing for foreign countries.
Speaking in a recent podcast, the Chelsea Legend explained that the disgraceful attitude of African players over time has made them appear second-hand to their counterparts.
The Nigerian criticised the players’ attitude and noted that they have often wasted their young playing age waiting to be called up to European countries.
“They say they want to play for England, France, or another country. And then, they wait, and they keep waiting and waiting, then when they get to 25 or 26, and they don’t get a call-up, they call Nigeria,”
The midfielder who vented on the scenario noted that African countries are treated as a second option, which should be the case. “We shouldn’t be treated as second options; we are not second options. You should be proud of your African roots; you should be proud to represent your African country.”
“I want the best players to play in Africa, so you rather make a decision and stand by it, if you decide you want to play for England, stick to it, sit and wait.
“If you don’t get a call-up, then you don’t get a call-up. Don’t wait until you’re 29 or 30, when you’re past your best, before calling Nigeria,” he said.
The Nigerian International retired from football in 2022 after a performance he said he was proud of. “I look back at the past 20 years of my career, and I must say that I am very satisfied with all that I was able to achieve and more importantly the human it has helped shape”.
In the past years, players like Alex Iwobi, Maduka Okoye, Ola Aina, and Joe Aribo have sworn allegiance to the Nigerian National Team in their early with the stars representing the country to date in different competitions.
In the Female National Team, the Super Falcon Nigerian born and raised abroad made the country round in different competitions after participating in notable tournaments with the country. Among the endless list is Michelle Alozie, a United Kingdom-born Ashleigh Plumptre
