Former Super Eagles international, Mikel John Obi has cautioned foreign-born players hoping to have international call-ups not to treat their country of origin as a second option

Obi made this known on his The Obi One podcast on Fridaywhile discussing African talents and their reluctance to represent their fatherland while hoping for other countries to give them a call-up

Ive talked so much about players not representing their African roots. Weve held meetings with these kids, with their parents and said, ˜Listen, you are Nigerian, your dad is Nigeria, your mum is Nigerian, why dont you represent your fatherland, Nigeria? The 37-year-old said

We wanna play for England, France, whatever it is, and then they wait, and then they keep waiting and keep waiting.

When they get to 25 or 26 and they dont get a call up from England then they call Nigeria. We shouldnt be treated as second options. Were not second options. You should be proud of your African roots, you should be proud to represent your African country.

There have been a number of talented Nigerians who picked other countries instead of playing for the Super Eagles, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala and a lot more.

Possible explanations for players plying their trade for these countries apart from their country of origin have been early exposure and subsequent integration into the cultures of such country.

However, Obi is adamant that the very best of African talents need their country of origin to make a name for themselves.

I want the best players to play in Africa, so youd rather make a decision and stand by it. If you decide you want to play for England, stick to it, sit and wait.

If you dont get a call-up, you dont get a call-up but dont wait until 29, 30, youve passed your best or whatever it is, then youre ˜Oh, Nigerian FA, Im ready to play for you now No, f**k off mate. (Channels TV)