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The 2013 AFCON winner held up Ademola Lookman as a shining example to other players of dual nationality
Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has lauded Ademola Lookman for his early decision to commit to Nigeria, comparing the Atalanta star to other players who wait until the latter stages of their careers to represent African nations.
Mikel reiterates stance on dual nationality
Speaking ahead of Atalanta’s UEFA Champions League opener against Arsenal, Mikel reiterated his stance on players with dual nationalities seeing African countries as second options, saying, "I think players, you have to decide where you want to play.
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“If from your guts you decide you want to play for England, you want to play for France, or you want to play for Germany, you have to wait. Wait, and if you don’t get a call-up, then you didn’t get a call-up that was your decision.
“But don’t wait until you’re 29 or 30 years old and past your best, and now you want to represent Nigeria or Cameroon. It’s a bit late.
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The former Super Eagles captain was quick to point out that African countries also want the best talent while they are still in their peak, adding, “We want the best players to also represent us, to represent Africa, to play in the Africa Cup of Nations.
“So if you wait and you decide, I want to play for Germany, I want to play for England, just wait. Commit to your decision. But don’t wait until you’re past your best and we become a second option.
Mikel praises ‘fantastic’ Lookman
Turning his focus to Ademola Lookman, who switched his allegiance from England to Nigeria in 2022, Mikel was full of praise for the 26-year-old saying, "I think Lookman made the right decision to switch quickly and say, ‘I’m going to represent my African country; I’m going to play for Nigeria’.
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“He’s having an amazing season; played really well in the last Africa Cup of Nations. What a fantastic player he has been. Fair play to him.”
Lookman played 31 matches for England’s youth teams across U19, U20, and U21 levels before switching his international allegiance to Nigeria in 2022.
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Since joining Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Lookman has played in 25 matches and scored eight times for the national team.
He was one of the stars at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring three goals and providing an assist as Nigeria finished in second place behind hosts Ivory Coast.
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Thanks to his performances for the Super Eagles and Atalanta, Lookman was also nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, becoming the second Nigerian in two years to make the top 30 nominees after international teammate Victor Osimhen finished in a record-high eighth position last year.
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