Former Nigerian international and immediate past General Manager of Shooting Stars Sports Club, Oladimeji Lawal, has advised former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel to exercise caution in his criticism of the Nigerian football system and instead channel his experience into offering practical solutions that can advance the game.
Lawal made the remarks recently on SPORTS WORLD platform while reacting to Mikel’s recent comments on the administration of Nigerian football credited to Mikel.
According to the former winger, several ex-internationals have been entrusted with coaching and administrative responsibilities over the years, only to discover that football administration is far more demanding than many people imagine.
“In the last few years, so many ex-internationals have been given the opportunity to either coach or function as administrators, but in the end, my conclusion is that it’s very easy to drive a car with the mouth. You will never be involved in an accident because you can easily press the brake pedal with your mouth,” Lawal stated.
He observed that while many critics are quick to identify problems within the football system, only a few are able to provide workable solutions.
“A lot of critics can identify problems and weaknesses, but they cannot proffer solutions. Podcasts are an avenue to reach the world and express opinions without restraint, but when it comes to confronting the realities on the ground, the task becomes overwhelming,” he said.
Lawal urged Mikel to focus his attention on addressing the structural challenges confronting Nigerian football rather than making broad criticisms of Nigerians.
“Mikel should put his searchlight more on the system than Nigerians. This is a country blessed with many brilliant minds, but in the end, your vision and efforts can become a mirage because of systemic challenges,” he noted.
The former international also argued that responsibility for the country’s football challenges should not be placed solely on administrators, insisting that players must equally be held accountable for some past actions.
“The system cannot be condemned rightly without mentioning individuals like Mikel himself and some privileged players who benefited from the same system when it was favourable to them. How could you blame only the system while leaving out players who boycotted training a few days before crucial World Cup qualifiers over financial issues? Considering what was at stake for themselves and the nation, that was penny wise and pound foolish,” he said.
Lawal further questioned Mikel’s contribution to grassroots football development since retiring from active football.
“I don’t think Mikel has invested in anything football in Nigeria. I am not aware of any football academy or facility established by him, yet he is very loud in his criticism and condemnation,” he remarked.
While acknowledging that Nigerian football requires reforms, Lawal cautioned against portraying the country negatively in the process.
“Battering the nation that made you and afforded you every opportunity to become somebody is not the best approach. We truly need change, but not by destroying the flag and the country’s image. We should all work together by bringing forward meaningful ideas and practical solutions that will move Nigerian football to greater heights,” he concluded.
