It is evident that European-born football players with African ancestry choose to play for their home countries before considering African national te
It is evident that European-born football players with African ancestry choose to play for their home countries before considering African national teams.
Many footballers across the globe with African roots are doing extremely well with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, N’Golo Kante, Bukayo Saka, Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Kobbie Mainoo, Jamal Musiala and Cody Gakpo among many others are making the continent proud.
Born and bred in Europe, these footballers cannot entirely be blamed for making African countries their second choice. They mostly pass through the various ranks before reaching the top making it difficult to select any African country as first choice when they can get the opportunity to play for the Europeans.
Former Chelsea and Nigeria star, Mikel Obi, has adviced the European players with African origin to be proud of their roots and think of representing them.
“You should be proud of your African roots, you should be proud to represent your African country. If you decide you want to play for England, stick to it. Sit and wait, but don’t wait till 29 or 30, you’ve passed your best, then you’re like ‘Oh, Nigeria FA, I’m ready to play for you now. No! f***k off mate!!” Obi said.
Many African players born outside the continent wait until they pass their prime before considering Africa
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