Don’t wait for England and choose Nigeria when you’re 29’ – Mikel Obi tells footballers with African heritage

Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has criticized footballers with African heritage who opt to represent European countries.

Speaking on his podcast, Obi emphasized that their homeland should not be a secondary choice. The ex-Chelsea midfielder stated that these players should not consider playing for Nigeria or their African nation if things don’t work out in Europe.

He said: “They say they wanna play for England or France or whatever it is, and then they wait. They keep waiting and keep waiting.

“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 then you call the Nigerian FA to tell them you’re ready to play for them. F*ck off mate.”