Mikel Obi recommends In-form striker for Super Eagles Invitation
Former Super Eagles skipper Mikel Obi has recommended in-form Middlesbrough striker Chuba Akpom for invitation to the Super Eagles team.
The 27-year old forward has scored 28-goals in the English Championship to top the goal-scorers chart, a feat former Boro midfielder Mikel Obi is surprised has not earned him any international call-up.
Eligible to represent Nigeria and England, it is the former who have the players nod as confirmed in his 2019 interview. In an interview with BBC Sport, Akpom stated: “It was a personal decision. I’m Nigerian and my whole family feel very Nigerian and it will be nice to represent Nigeria.
Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro is yet to hand the striker a call-up despite his incredible form, something Mikel is not happy about.
” Its a straight forward choice if you ask me, ” Mikel is quoted by OWNGOALNigeria.
” You are doing it for your team then you at least get an invitation (National team). 28 goals and not a chance yet with Nigeria then you have to ask the coach why the top-scorer in the championship is not yet in his team. Even England i believe will have a look at him with the way he is going. ” the former Super Eagles Midfielder said.
Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro is blessed with enough options in attack. The likes of Victor Osimhen, Terem Moffi, Ademola Lookman, Kelechi Iheanacho, Paul Onuachu etc were on the list for the last International window.
Obi is of the opinion that inviting in-form Akpom will be a motivation to others.
” When you reward players doing well at their respective teams, then you are sending a message to others to work hard ” Mikel added.
” But sadly i dont think the coaches share of thought. There are so many reasons to leave a player out of a team, but first, give them chance, ” he concluded.
The last time Peseiro was asked about Akpom, the Portuguese manager said “On each weekend, we watch 48 matches at least to monitor our players. Akpom is a good player, but I don’t have enough confidence in him.
“However, something could still happen, because the National team is open to everybody.”
The next international window will pitch Nigeria Vs Sierra Leone in June. By that time, the European season will be over. It remains to be seen if Nigeria will hand the former Arsenal striker a chance.
