Former Super Eagles and Chelsea FC midfielder John Mikel Obi has warned Nigeria-eligible players that playing for the senior national team of Nigeria is not a second choice.
Mikel who made the comments on his podcast said that most of them want to play for England or France but when they get to the age of 25 or 26 and they don’t get called up, they consider Nigeria as a second option.
The Champions League winner stated that Nigeria should not be treated as a second option because we are not a second option and as such players should be proud of their roots.
He further noted that he wants the best players to lace their boots for African countries and when such players make a decision to play for a certain country they should stand by it.
“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,” Mikel said on his ObiOne podcast.
“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.
