National Teams
“Naija blood Is strong” — Chuba Akpom responds to John Obi Mikel’s allegiance criticisms
By Monsurah Olatunji
Ajax striker Chuba Akpom has responded to Mikel Obi’s criticism of foreign-born players who he claims treat Nigeria as a “second option.”
Mikel had recently voiced concerns on his ObiOne Podcast, stating that some players born outside of Africa only commit to Nigeria after their chances with European teams dry up.
He explained, “When they get to 25 or 26 and don’t get a call-up from England, then they call Nigeria. We shouldn’t be treated as second options.”
In response to Mikel’s remarks, Akpom, who switched his allegiance to Nigeria at 23 but has yet to receive a call-up, took the opportunity to shed light on the challenges faced by many players in similar situations.
Akpom explained that, for many young players in the European system, there is limited opportunity to explore their heritage early on.
“I was never approached when I was young to play for Nigeria,” he shared in an interview with Nigerian journalist Oma after Ajax’s victory over Galatasaray in the Europa League.
“So, when you are already in the England system, that’s all you know. As you get older, you start to realise it is difficult to play for England.”
He went on to stress the importance of representing Nigeria: “If you want to represent the country, the better the talents that Nigeria has, the stronger the nation is.
“When you put the shirt on, nobody cares about your past. You’re a Nigerian boy; that Naija blood is strong, and you can’t run away from this.”
