Mikel: Foreign-born Nigerian footballers must stop treating Eagles as second option

Mikel Obi, former Super Eagles captain, says foreign-born players of Nigerian descent must stop treating the national team as a “second option”. 

Mikel spoke in a recent episode of the Obi One podcast.

The former Chelsea midfielder said foreign-born Nigerian footballers “wait” for call-ups from their countries of birth, then switch to Nigeria when they are “29 or 30 and past your best”.

He added that the players must decide to play for the Eagles early in their careers to communicate a passion for their roots.

“I have talked about players not representing their African roots. We have had meetings with these kids and their parents. ‘Look, you are from Nigeria. Your dad and mom are from Nigeria. Why don’t you play for the fatherland.’ They say they want to play for England or France or whatever it is, and then they wait. They keep waiting and keep waiting,” Mikel said

“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 like second options. We are not second options.

“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 you’re 29 or 30 and past your best; then, you call the Nigerian FA to tell them you’re ready to play for them.”

The Eagles have a significant number of foreign-born players. Over eight members of the Eagles squad that finished second at the last African Cup of Nations (AFCON) were born in foreign countries to Nigerian parents.

However, many others are eligible to represent either the Eagles or their various countries of birth and are reluctant to commit to Nigeria.