'Nigeria is where I feel at home' - Iwobi and Aina agree that foreign-born players shouldn't make Nigeria second-choice option
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Iwobi and Aina agree with Mikel Obi || Imago

'Nigeria is where I feel at home' - Iwobi and Aina agree that foreign-born players shouldn't make Nigeria second-choice option

Stephen Oladehinde 12:08 - 17.08.2024

Ola Aina and Alex Iwobi have supported former Nigerian captain John Mikel Obi's stance on players who choose Nigeria as a backup country.

A few weeks ago, former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi lambasted players of African heritage who play for nations outside Africa.

The Super Eagles legend was harshly critical of African descent and claimed they should be proud of their African roots and country. 

Super Eagles duo have also agreed to Mikel Obi's comment and supported his claim that  Nigeria should not be a second-choice option.

Iwobi and Aina backs Mikel Obi

Two Super Eagles stars who were eligible to play for different countries have also come out in favour of Mikel's assertion.

Iwobi in action for Fulham || Imago
Iwobi in action for Fulham || Imago

Alex Iwobi and Ola Aina both represented England's youth squads before deciding to play for the Super Eagles.

Ola Aina said on his YouTube Channel, “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. 

Ola Aina Super Eagles players in 2024 | Credit: IMAGO
Ola Aina Super Eagles players in 2024 | Credit: IMAGO

“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.” 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1nEZq7MMDk

Iwobi also concurred with his fellow Nigerian, saying he felt at home as soon as he decided to wear the green and white of the Super Eagles.

The Fulham star said, “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.”

Meanwhile, Fulham lost their opening Premier League clash with Manchester United 1-0, with Iwobi and Calvin Bassey playing the full game.

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