Saturday, September 21, 2024 Former Chelsea midfielder, John Mikel Obi has sent a message to Ademola Lookman.
He commended him for choosing Nigeria over England whilst still at
his prime.
Lookman, who was born in England to Nigerian parents, represented
the European country at youth level.
The 26-year-old was part of the England squad that won the 2017
FIFA U-20 World Cup.
The winger’s request to represent Nigeria was approved by the
Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) in February 2022.
The Atalanta star has quickly established himself as one of the
key stars in the Super Eagles.
Lookman, who won the UEFA Europa League title with Atalanta last
season is the favourite to win the CAF African Player of the Year award.
Mikel believed the player made the right decision at the right time.
“Players have to wait for a while before they decide they want to
represent their African root. I genuinely think it shouldn’t be that
way,” Mikel said on BeIN Sports.
“If you have decided where you want to play. If you decide you
want to play for England, France or Germany, you have to wait, if you don’t get
called up that’s your decision.
“If you are 20-year-old, make your decision, don’t wait until you are
26, 28. Don’t wait until you are past your best and we become a second option.
“I think Ademola Lookman made the right decision to switch quickly to
represent Nigeria, and he’s done really well. He played well last season and
he’s such a fantastic player.”
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