Former Chelsea and Super Eagles midfielder, John Mikel Obi, has responded to suggestions about becoming the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Soccernet.ng reports.
The buzz in the Nigerian football community began after Mikel made a statement about foreign-based players of Nigerian origin, suggesting they see representing Nigeria as a second choice.
In his words: “I’ve talked so much about players not representing their African roots. We’ve held meetings with these kids, with their parents and said, ‘Listen, you are Nigerian, your dad is Nigeria, your mum is Nigerian, why don’t you represent your fatherland, Nigeria? We wanna play for England, France, whatever is, and then they wait, and then they keep waiting and keep waiting.
“When they get to 25 or 26 and they don’t get a call up from England then they call Nigeria. We shouldn’t be treated as second options. We’re not second options. You should be proud of your African roots, you should be proud to represent your African country.”
This comment has sparked widespread discussion in the Nigerian football community supporting what the former Chelsea star had said.
In a video post shared on his social media feed, one commenter suggested that Mikel Obi should take up the position of NFF President.
Reacting to this, the former Super Eagles captain replied with a table clock emoji, implying that only time will tell if this wish becomes a reality.
The Nigerian football governing body has often faced criticism for its management practices, particularly regarding mismanagement of funds and inadequate welfare for players and staff.
Many have advocated for a former football player, similar to Samuel Eto’o’s role in Cameroon, to assume the NFF presidency. They believe that a former player’s experience and perspective could lead to better administration and improvements in Nigerian football.
