Angry Mikel Obi Hit Hard At Players With Dual Nationality Who Switch To Super Eagles As Second Option, Calls Out Amoebi
The former captain of the senior national team of Nigeria John 0bi 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. …CONTINUE READING
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 201 4 world cup in Brazil.
“Shola gave us a call when he was 29, almost 30, to come and play for us, and then he came and only played one year. That was when the Nigerian FA didn’t have an option because we were going to the World Cup, so, okay, let’s just give him the chance.
“But he waited till he was past his best… then he decided, ‘I wanna come play for Nigeria.’ Those are the things I am talking about. We are not a second option. I didn’t know what the situation was with his family back then, but just an example for me. Players shouldn’t wait, you can’t wait.
While acknowledging that Ameobi is a “lovely fella”, Mikel Obi was forthright in his criticism of the former striker’s decision-making.
“If you make a decision when you’re 17, or 16, stick to it. Don’t give us a call when you are 30 and say, ‘Now, I wanna represent my African roots.’”
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