Lawal advises Mikel to focus on solutions for Nigerian football

**Oladimeji Lawal, a former Nigeria international and the recent General Manager of Shooting Stars Sports Club, has told John Obi Mikel to be careful with his criticism of Nigerian football. He suggested that Mikel should use his experience to offer real solutions, according to The PUNCH.

Mikel recently spoke about Nigerian football management on a podcast with former England player Peter Crouch. He said he turned down chances to return and help because he could not work with officials who do not share his vision for the game.

“We do not have people that know about football. They sit there year after year, they control everything. They do not want to let go of the power, and the money they get from it,” he said.

“There have been phone calls to come back to get involved, but I said no. Those people need to go. I cannot work with people that I know have the same objective as me, same goal as me, to be able to improve the standard of football in Nigeria, because that can be done very easily. The funds need to go to the right places.”

On Thursday, Lawal spoke to The PUNCH and mentioned that many former players have been given coaching and administrative roles over the years. He noted that they often find out that running football is more challenging than they thought.

“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 is 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 explained.

He pointed out that while many people are quick to point out problems in the football system, very few can offer real 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 told The PUNCH.

“We all know Nigeria is not perfect, but talking solves nothing. 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.”

Lawal also questioned what Mikel has done for grassroots football since retiring. He said, “I do not 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.”

“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. He has a right to his opinion but he shouldn’t ridicule the flag all the time. He can come and we should all work together by bringing forward meaningful ideas and practical solutions that will move Nigerian football to greater heights.”**