Former Nigeria’s Super Eagles captain and ex-Chelsea midfielder, John Mikel Obi has bared his mind on Atalanta star, Ademola Lookman.

Obi, speaking on the decision of the player to play for the Nigeria Super Eagles instead of England said:

“Players have to wait for a while before they decide they want to represent their African root. I genuinely think it shouldn’t be that way.”

“If you have decided where you want to play. If you decide you want to play for England, France or Germany, you have to wait, if you don’t get called up that’s your decision.”

“If you are 20-year-old, make your decision, don’t wait until you are 26, 28. Don’t wait until you are past your best and we become a second option.”

“I think Ademola Lookman made the right decision to switch quickly to represent Nigeria, and he’s done really well. He played well last season and he’s such a fantastic player.”

For those who don’t know, Lookman was born in England to Nigerian parents. He represented England at youth level.

Lookman, 26, was part of the England squad that won the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

However, his request to represent Nigeria was approved by the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) in February 2022.

It is worthy to note that Lookman won the UEFA Europa League title with Atalanta last season and he has been peeped to win the CAF African Player of the Year award.