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| Former Nigerian Player Mikel Obi Chelsea Photo |
Former Nigerian footballer Mikel Obi has revealed his opinion over international African players who often choose African countries as their second option.
According to the Chelsea legend, Mikel Obi believes the majority of these international players only choose African countries as their second option when they are no longer called up by European nations or when they are considered out of age. “I’ve had meetings with these boys and their parents, and I’ve told them: ‘You are from Nigeria. Your father is Nigerian and your mother is Nigerian,’ and why don't you represent your homeland,” he stated.
Mikel Obi, who was once the Super Eagles captain, noted that this situation is common among several Nigerian and Cameroonian international players. He observed that by the time some of them decide to represent African countries, they have already missed important years of international football.
The former midfielder emphasized that African teams deserve players who are fully committed and proud to represent their roots. He urged players to make firm decisions early in their careers and stand by them, adding that Africa should never be treated as a second choice.
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