Osaze Odemwingie has taken aim at what he describes as a growing culture of entitlement among players of Nigerian descent, arguing that the Super Eagles should not be chasing players who need convincing to wear the green and white, Footynaija.com reports.
The former forward, who earned 65 caps for Nigeria between 2002 and 2014 and represented the country at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, speaks on the subject with a perspective few others can match.
Born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to a Nigerian father and Russian mother, Odemwingie represented Russia at youth level before choosing Nigeria at under-20 level and committing fully to the Super Eagles. He never saw it as a difficult decision.
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The NFF has recently been linked with efforts to persuade several dual-eligible players, including Brentford’s Michael Kayode, to switch allegiance to Nigeria.
For Odemwingie, that approach raises uncomfortable questions about what the national team means to those being courted.
‘If Naija pampers me, that’s more than enough’
Speaking to Brila, the former West Bromwich Albion forward was blunt about the shift in attitude he has observed.
“These days it’s like they want the pampering. Me as you know, I don’t need no pampering. If Naija pampers me it’s more than enough for me,” he said.
He acknowledged that not every dual-heritage player’s situation is the same, drawing a distinction between those with genuine mixed roots and those who simply prefer the lifestyle or profile of a European nation.
“We love everyone and there are some cases where the love wasn’t based on the decision for the love of a European country, unless maybe you have a mixed heritage. Like me growing up, there was a rule that once you wear the shirt of a national team you can’t wear another team’s clothes. I love Russia but my connection is with Nigeria when it comes to football and sport.”
Odemwingie then raised the long-term cost of the talent drain in terms that were difficult to argue with.
“I won’t judge anybody. Imagine one day the whole football squad of England will be Nigerians. It’s Nigerian genes that are showing themselves. How can Nigeria win the World Cup when our talents go out to serve other people?”
He did not end on a hopeless note. Odemwingie expressed belief that the tide will eventually turn, pointing to a structural gap Nigeria must close in the meantime.
“Nigeria relies on physicality and talent but you need to add that part where it is mechanical. Europeans, regardless of where they are from, right from childhood, they are mechanical. They are wired to do this job tactically, keeping it simple,” he said.
