Former Chelsea and Nigeria midfielder John Mikel Obi has launched a scathing attack on ex-Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi for his decision to delay representing Nigeria.
Mikel revealed that Nigeria had pursued Ameobi for years, with the striker consistently turning down their advances in favour of a potential England call-up.
It was only when Ameobi’s career was winding down, at the age of 29, that he finally accepted Nigeria's invitation.
Mikel Obi: Nigeria not a second option
Mikel Obi, in a candid conversation on his ‘Obi One' podcast, was critical of this decision, suggesting that players should commit to their national teams early in their careers rather than wait until their options are limited.
“Shola had the opportunity to come play for Nigeria. Nigeria were chasing him, the Nigerian FA kept asking Shola to come play for us, and he refused.
“He said, ‘No, I wanna play for England. I am waiting for England, waiting for a call-up from England.'
“Shola gave us a call when he was 29, almost 30, to come and play for us, and then he came and only played one year. That was when the Nigerian FA didn’t have an option because we were going to the World Cup, so, okay, let’s just give him the chance.
“But he waited till he was past his best… then he decided, ‘I wanna come play for Nigeria.' Those are the things I am talking about. We are not a second option. I didn’t know what the situation was with his family back then, but just an example for me. Players shouldn’t wait, you can’t wait.
While acknowledging that Ameobi is a “lovely fella”, Mikel Obi was forthright in his criticism of the former striker's decision-making.
“If you make a decision when you’re 17, or 16, stick to it. Don’t give us a call when you are 30 and say, ‘Now, I wanna represent my African roots.'”
Ameobi's Nigeria journey: Does Mikel Obi have a point?
Born in Nigeria but raised in England, Shola Ameobi spent three years representing England at under-21 level. However, a shift in allegiance emerged in late 2009 when he first expressed interest in playing for Nigeria, the country of his birth.
It wasn't until November 2011, though, that FIFA officially cleared him to represent Nigeria.
Ameobi's international career gained momentum in 2012 when then-coach Stephen Keshi expressed keen interest in including him in the squad for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. Soon after, he made his debut for the Super Eagles.
The striker's impact was evident. He scored crucial goals against Burkina Faso and Italy, showcasing his abilities on the international stage, and was inclided in Nigeria's 2014 World Cup squad.