Former Spain-based midfielder Dimeji Lawal says Super Eagles players should aim to emulate Chelsea's Mikel Obi to attract the attention of English, Spanish and German giants.
The Saudi '89 FIFA U-20 World Cup silver medallist, who lamented that no member of the South Africa 2013 Africa Cup of Nations has attracted interest from likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Bayern Munich, decried the attitude of Nigerian players to the game.
He paid tribute to Mikel, saying commanding starting roles at the star-studded Chelsea is indicative of his "quality, attitude and professionalism".
"I don't see any other Nigerian footballer playing at the highest level now," the ex-Eagles player told our correspondent on the telephone during the week.
"Our players are not consistent. It's the same problem with other African players. They are not committed and dedicated to the game.
"We allow little success go to our heads. We relax thinking we have arrived.
"To play for the likes of Barcelona, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich you must have guts and be able to produce a consistent performance.
"It takes a lot of work to get there. Only Mikel boasts the quality to play at the top level and that is why he's there.
"Taye Taiwo couldn't cope at AC Milan when he joined them from Marseille, hence he moved to Dynamo Kyiv on loan.
"The same thing happened to Joseph Yobo. He was not a regular at Everton before he joined Fenerbahce.
"But Mikel has been consistent and that's why he's a regular at Chelsea. When you look at the quality of the players he's competing with in the team, you must give him credit for his effort.
"Mikel is our best player and I'm one of his fans. Other players should emulate him."
