"Mikel Obi Criticizes Players for Ignoring African Roots"

Former Super Eagles midfielder and captain, John Mikel Obi, recently appeared on the "Obi One Podcast," where he discussed various topics. During the podcast, Mikel Obi criticized Bukayo Saka, Eze, and others for playing for European countries despite their African heritage.

"I have spoken extensively about players not representing their African roots. We have held meetings with these kids and their parents, telling them, 'Listen, you are from Nigeria, your dad is Nigerian, your mom is Nigerian, why don't you represent your fatherland, Nigeria?' But they want to play for England, France, or wherever, and they keep waiting and waiting. When they reach 25 or 26 and don't get a call-up from England, then they turn to Nigeria."

"We shouldn't be treated as a second option. We are not a second option. You should be proud of your African roots and proud to represent your African country. I want the best players to play in Africa. Make a decision and stand by it. If you decide to play for England, stick to it and wait. If you don't get a call-up, then you don't get a call-up. But don't wait until you are 29 or 30, past your prime, and then call the Nigerian FA saying you're ready to play. No, don't do that," Mikel Obi said.

The Obi One Podcast shared the video on their official Instagram page today, Friday, July 26, 2024, and it stirred massive reactions from the public.