Mikel Hails Lookman Decision To Choose Nigeria Over England
Former Nigeria skipper Mikel Obi has applauded Ademola Lookman for choosing Nigeria over England for his senior international football.
The Chelsea legend once again criticised some players born outside Nigeria in ESPN for delaying the decision until they have been completely ignored by their countries of birth in the prime of their career.
“So, if you wait and you decline, you want to play for Germany or you want to play for England, just wait.
Commit to your decision, but don’t wait until you are past your best and we become a second option,” said Mikel.
Mikel, who scored six goals in 91 appearances for Nigeria between 2005 and 2019 and also captained the U23 team to bronze in the Men’s Football Tournament of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.
“I think Lookman made the right decision to switch quickly and said ‘I’m going to represent my African country.
I’m going to play for Nigeria’. He is having an amazing season. He played really well in the last AFCON. What a fantastic player he has been.
Fair play to him,” added Mikel, who recently expressed reservations about players making Nigeria a second option in their choice of international football.
He represented England at the U-19, U-20, and U-21 levels before switching allegiance to Nigeria in 2022. He has scored eight goals in 25 outings with the Super Eagles since then.
Lookman has been Nigeria’s best player in the last two years, making a huge impression at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where his goals helped the team to the final against the host country.
Ejiofor Ezeifeoma/Lagos
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