Former Super Eagles international Mikel John Obi has advised foreign-born players with African roots not to consider their country of origin as a backup plan for international call-ups.
Speaking on his “The Obi One” podcast on Friday, Obi discussed the reluctance of African talents to represent their fatherland while holding out hope for call-ups from other countries.
“I’ve talked so much about players not representing their African roots. We’ve held meetings with these kids, with their parents and said, ‘Listen, you are Nigerian, your dad is Nigerian, your mum is Nigerian, why don’t you represent your fatherland, Nigeria?’” the 37-year-old said. “We wanna play for England, France, whatever it is, and then they wait, and then they keep waiting and keep waiting.”
Obi emphasized that Africa should not be treated as a second option. “When they get to 25 or 26 and they don’t get a call-up from England then they call Nigeria. We shouldn’t be treated as second options. We’re not second options. You should be proud of your African roots, you should be proud to represent your African country.”
The former international highlighted the trend of talented Nigerians choosing to represent other countries, citing examples like Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise, and Jamal Musiala. He noted that early exposure and integration into the cultures of these countries often influence such decisions.
However, Obi remains firm that the best African talents should make a name for themselves by representing their countries of origin. “I want the best players to play in Africa, so you’d 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, you don’t get a call-up but don’t wait until 29, 30, you’ve passed your best or whatever it is, then you’re ‘Oh, Nigerian FA, I’m ready to play for you now’ No, f**k off mate.”
Obi’s comments come amidst ongoing discussions about the loyalty of players with dual nationalities and their contributions to their countries of origin.
