Former Chelsea and Nigeria star Mikel John Obi has slammed foreign-born African stars for treating African nations as a fall-back option when not chosen by the likes of England and France.
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The Jos native enjoyed an illustrious career for both club and country. On top of his 2011/12 UEFA Champions League title triumph and two Premier League trophies, the 37-year-old also won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations with the Super Eagles
Having also represented the west African giants at youth level, the former Blues star has now hit out at African players born in the diaspora choosing African nations as their contingency plan when they are not considered by the countries they were born in.
"I've talked so much about players not representing their African roots," the versatile midfielder said on his podcast, The Obi One Podcast.
"We've held meetings with these kids, with their parents, and said, 'Listen, you are from Nigeria, your dad is Nigerian, your mom is Nigerian. Why don't you represent your fatherland Nigeria?
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"They want to play for England, France, whatever it is and then they wait.
"And then they keep waiting and keep waiting. When they get to 25, 26 and they don't get a call-up from England, then they call Nigeria.
"We shouldn't be treated as a second option. You should be proud of your African roots. You should be proud to represent your African country.
"I want the best players to play in Africa. So you rather make a decision and stand by it. If you decide you want to play for England, stick to it. Sit and wait.
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"If you don't get a call-up, then you don't get a call up, but don't wait until you're 29, 30, when you've passed your best, whatever it is, then you are like, 'Oh Nigeria FA, I'm ready to play for you now'. No, f…k off, mate."
