Close Menu

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

    What's Hot

    Colombian Vice-President Arrives Nigeria on 3-Day Working Visit

    August 30, 2025

    IGP Charges Sowore With False Publication, Forgery

    August 27, 2025

    US Court Jails Nigerian Monarch, Oloyede for $4.2m COVID-19 Relief Fund

    August 27, 2025
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Trending
    • Colombian Vice-President Arrives Nigeria on 3-Day Working Visit
    • IGP Charges Sowore With False Publication, Forgery
    • US Court Jails Nigerian Monarch, Oloyede for $4.2m COVID-19 Relief Fund
    • Premier League: Rio Ngumoha The Hero As Liverpool Beat Newcastle 3 -2
    • Tottenham Leads Premier League Table After 2 Nil Victory Against Man City
    • Tinubu Mourns Late Journalist, Evelyn Osagie
    • Tinubu Departs Japan for State Visit to Brazil
    • Haske: Why Atiku’s Son-in-Law Was Declared Wanted – EFCC
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    TheScrutinyNG
    Subscribe
    Sunday, August 31
    • Home
    • Politics
    • Business
    • News
      • World News
    • Sports
    • Interviews
    • Opinion
    • Entertainment
    • Columnists
    • ABOUT US
    TheScrutinyNG
    Home » Don’t Treat Nigeria As Second Option, Mikel Obi Tells Nigerian-Born Footballers
    3 Mins ReadJuly 26, 2024

    Don’t Treat Nigeria As Second Option, Mikel Obi Tells Nigerian-Born Footballers

    By Amina MohammedJuly 26, 2024No Comments3 Mins Read
    Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    Former Super Eagles and Chelsea star, Mikel John Obi, has issued a stern warning to footballers of Nigerian descent playing abroad, asserting that Nigeria should not be treated as a fallback option.

    In a video posted on Friday morning during his appearance on The Obi One Podcast, Obi expressed his views on the matter. He recently interviewed his former coach, Carlo Ancelotti, and emphasised that football talents of Nigerian or African descent should never consider their home country or continent as a secondary choice.

    “I’ve talked a lot about players not representing their African roots,” Obi said. “We’ve had meetings with these kids and their parents, urging them to represent Nigeria. They often aim to play for countries like England or France, waiting for a call-up. When they reach 25 or 26 and don’t get selected, they turn to Nigeria. We shouldn’t be treated as a backup option. Be proud of your African roots and represent your country.”

    Nigerian footballers are prominent across the globe, playing in elite leagues in Europe, emerging competitions in Asia, and the Americas. This international presence underscores Nigeria’s strong football development system and the global recognition of its players’ skills and versatility.

    Notable Nigerian players include Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman in Italy’s Serie A, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Calvin Bassey in the English Premier League, and Samuel Chukwueze in Spain’s La Liga.

    Several Nigerian talents, including Jamal Musiala, David Alaba, Eberechi Eze, and Manchester United’s new striker Joshua Orobosa Zirkzee, featured prominently in the recently concluded EURO 2024 tournament won by Spain. Additionally, the only Black athletes representing Japan in men’s football at the 2024 Olympics, goalkeeper Leo Kokubo and midfielder Joel Chima Fujita, were born in Japan to Nigerian fathers and Japanese mothers.

    However, many Nigerian-born players represent other countries, such as Tammy Abraham, Carlton Cole, John Fashanu, Fikayo Tomori, Dele Alli, and Michael Olise. David Alaba, who allegedly faced issues with the Golden Eaglets’ selection process due to bribery claims, has denied these reports.

    Obi emphasised the importance of African talents representing their continent. He urged those who choose developed countries over African nations to remain committed to their decision and not seek to play for Nigeria later in their careers.

    “I want the best players to play in Africa, so make a decision and stand by it,” Obi said. “If you decide to play for England, stick to it. Don’t wait until you’re past your prime and then turn to Nigeria. We’re not a backup option.”

    Author

    • Amina Mohammed
      Amina Mohammed

      View all posts
    Mikel John Obi Super Eagles
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Amina Mohammed

    Related Posts

    Breaking News

    IGP Charges Sowore With False Publication, Forgery

    August 27, 2025
    Featured

    Premier League: Rio Ngumoha The Hero As Liverpool Beat Newcastle 3 -2

    August 26, 2025
    Breaking News

    Tottenham Leads Premier League Table After 2 Nil Victory Against Man City

    August 23, 2025
    Featured

    Tinubu Mourns Late Journalist, Evelyn Osagie

    August 23, 2025
    Breaking News

    Haske: Why Atiku’s Son-in-Law Was Declared Wanted – EFCC

    August 22, 2025
    Breaking News

    Frank Caprio, US judge nicknamed ‘nicest judge in the world,’ dies at 88

    August 21, 2025

    Subscribe to News

    Get the latest sports news from NewsSite about world, sports and politics.

    Editor's Picks

    Colombian Vice-President Arrives Nigeria on 3-Day Working Visit

    August 30, 2025

    IGP Charges Sowore With False Publication, Forgery

    August 27, 2025

    US Court Jails Nigerian Monarch, Oloyede for $4.2m COVID-19 Relief Fund

    August 27, 2025

    Premier League: Rio Ngumoha The Hero As Liverpool Beat Newcastle 3 -2

    August 26, 2025
    Latest Posts
    Advertisement
    Facebook X (Twitter) Pinterest Vimeo WhatsApp TikTok Instagram

    News

    • World
    • US Politics
    • EU Politics
    • Business
    • Opinions
    • Connections
    • Science

    Company

    • Information
    • Advertising
    • Classified Ads
    • Contact Info
    • Do Not Sell Data
    • GDPR Policy
    • Media Kits

    Services

    • Subscriptions
    • Customer Support
    • Bulk Packages
    • Newsletters
    • Sponsored News
    • Work With Us

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

    © 2025 The Scrutiny. Designed by Design Streams.

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms
    • Accessibility

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.