The former captain of the senior national team of Nigeria John Obi Mikel has taken a swipe at players with dual nationality who switched to play for Nigeria, when all hope of playing for the country of birth is lost.
A lot of players who were born abroad have been switching to the senior national team of Nigeria after representing other countries at various youth levels. A situation which Mikel speaking on his podcast Obione frowns at and called for an end to the practice.
Mikel lamented the fact that most of these players see the Nigerian team as second option only because they can’t play for their preferred country at senior level. In his words they should stay true to their plans and not use Nigeria as second option.
“If you choose to play for England, commit to it and be patient. If the call-up doesn’t come, it doesn’t come. But don’t wait until you’re 29 and then decide you want to play for Nigeria. We’re not a backup option.” Mikel said.
He went further to cite an example with Shola Amoebi who turned down all approach to play for Nigeria at his youthful age, but made a U-Turn at the age of 29 when all hope of playing for England is lost and was rewarded with a spot in the team for the 2014 world cup in Brazil.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
