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Once in a while, there is always a flurry of foreign-born footballers who want to play for Nigeria.
In the recent past, we have had players like Alex Iwobi, William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun, Ademola Lookman, among others choose to wear the white and green.
These players have, however, opted for the Super Eagles for different reasons. Some because it has always been a dream to represent their fatherland. Others because they were rejected by the countries of their birth or residence.
“Personally, I have no problems with that,” Adava OluwaGbenga Festus, OAP at Midas Radio and Football Analyst, tells DAILY POST.
“There are players born abroad who will never feel comfortable in that setup until they come back home to represent their fatherland, either talented or not.
“There are just some like that and I also think parents play a huge role in this situation.
“Over the years, players like Carl Ikeme, Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, etc have come from the English system and become Super Eagles mainstay.
“Can you look anyone in the eye and say for example players like ex-Boro defender Luke Young, ex-Bolton Kevin Davies, ex-Portsmouth David Nugent, etc and some others who have all played for England.
“Are anything better or more talented than Iwobi or Aina? Hell No.
“Remember both of them actually represented England at U16/U17 levels. I think they most definitely would still have still gotten a call up if they stayed the course.
“But they came over to Nigeria and became a part of a very solid Eagles team.”
The recent names to be linked with a switch of allegiance are Wrexham’s Arthur Okonkwo and Chelsea defender, Tosin Adarabioyo.
Okonkwo is now eligible to represent Nigeria after his international transfer from England was approved by FIFA.
But Adarabioyo appears to be waiting on a last-minute chance from the Three Lions.
“Arthur Okonkwo is a goalkeeper and I don’t think this a problematic role for the Super Eagles,” Adava said.
“Until recently when Nwabali became clubless, I think Maduka is beyond capable – he plays in a top five league in Europe.
“Arthur is having a good season, but I can’t remember the last black Three lions goalkeeper.
“As for Tosin, I just don’t think he’s good enough to displace Calvin (Bassey) and Benjamin (Fredericks) in the heart of our defense.
“So, I really don’t see the upside of his call-ups except the fact that he plays for Chelsea,” he added.
Adarabioyo’s reluctance to commit to Nigeria brings the comments of former captain, John Mikel Obi, back to fore.
Mikel Obi, speaking on his podcast, slammed players who waited until their preferred countries sufficiently ignored them, before flirting with the Eagles.
In his words, Nigeria “will not be a dumping ground.”
Adava said: “His comments are specifically targeted at those players who waited for years for other country’s call ups.
“They eventually gave up when it wasn’t forthcoming and then presented themselves as available to the Super Eagles when the desirable wasn’t available.
“Let’s take the example of Shola Ameobi and the 2014 World Cup. He had no business being in that squad after turning down invitations for years and waiting for Three Lions.”
Arthur Okonkwo, Tosin Adarabioyo: Super Eagles witness influx of foreign-based players
