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2013 AFCON Cup winner John Obi Mikel has criticized former Super Eagles striker Shola Ameobi for rejecting Nigeria’s call-up until he was old.
The former Super Eagles captain did not hold back with his words, criticising them strongly for ignoring their root.
The Super Eagles have encountered many players who had previously played for other nations but decided to represent Nigeria after being rejected.
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16:33 - 26.07.2024
F*ck off — Mikel slams foreign born players for choosing England and France over Nigeria
Former Super Eagles midfielder John Mikel Obi slated players of African descent who represent non-African countries.
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11:45 - 24.07.2024
It was a mistake - Olympics legend Usain Bolt speaks on brief football career during Mikel Obi link up
Usain Bolt talks to Nigerian legend Mikel Obi about his time in Australia when he aimed to transition from athletics to football.
Mikel goes all out on Ameobi
The former Chelsea player used Shola Ameobi, a legend of Newcastle United, as an example to buttress his illustration.
Ameobi originally wanted to play for England, but when he was denied the chance, he chose to play for the Super Eagles in the latter stages of his career.
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Mikel Obi said during his Obi One podcast, "He had the opportunity to come play for Nigeria. You know Nigeria were chasing him for years and he refused. Obviously, he had this partnership with Alan Shearer at Newcastle.
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"They were banging in the goals, the partnership was flourishing they were having an amazing season and of course, the Nigerian FA kept asking him to come play for us but said he was waiting for England.
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"Shola gave Nigeria a call when he was 29, almost 30 to come to play for us and then he came and he played only one year.
"The Nigerian FA didn't have an option because we were going to the World Cup. But he waited till he was past his best and decided to come play for Nigeria.
"Those are the things I am talking about, we are not second option. I didn't know what the situation was with his family back then but this is just an example."
Mikel was disappointed with Ameobi who went on to make eight caps for Nigeria, scoring one goal and providing two assists.
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