“Nigeria isn’t second choice” – Nigerian-British Super Eagles duo reiterate Mikel Obi’s stance

Super Eagles duo, Alex Iwobi and Ola Aina, have backed the claims made by former Nigerian captain, Mikel Obi, on players who pick Nigeria as a second choice, Soccernet.ng reports.

Mikel, who had a stellar career with Chelsea during his time as a professional footballer, also won the 2013 AFCON title under Stephen Keshi.

Speaking about players who were born abroad but are eligible to play for Nigeria, the one-time UEFA Champions League winner warned these players to never put the Super Eagles second when presented with the choice of the country to represent.

Two Nigerian players, who could have represented other nations, have also come to support Mikel's statement. Ola Aina and Alex Iwobi played for England's Youth team before opting to play for the Super Eagles.

“Nigeria isn't a second choice, we shouldn't be seen as second choice. Two separate nations, you have to make a decision, and I agree with him. I and Alex have beaten these allegations. Not to lie, playing for England is massive, and when I was younger, I thought about it, but as I grew older, I wanted to play for Nigeria, and people like Alex, Victor Moses, and Mikel helped my transition and made it easier for me. I didn't get rejected by England, but I wanted to play for Nigeria. I was lucky it came about. There's no better feeling than playing for Nigeria,” Ola Aina said on his YouTube Channel.

Fulham attacking midfielder, Iwobi, also agreed with his Nigerian compatriot, adding he immediately felt at home when he chose to don the green and white colours of the Super Eagles.

“It's the same for me as well. I'd gotten an invitation to the England U-21's but I wanted to try out Nigeria, and I was invited to the U-23's. I got to camp and I immediately felt at home, and I never looked back since then,” the 27-year-old added.

Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori, Jamal Musiala, and Eberechi Eze are also players who could have represented Nigeria but opted to play for other countries.