By Sulaiman Alao
Former Nigerian international, Jonathan Akpoborie has decried what he calls ‘money mentality’ among aspiring football youngsters in the country.
Fielding question on a radio program on Brila FM anchored by fellow ex-international Ifeanyi Udeze this morning, Akpoborie says there is need for upcoming players to put passion ahead of monetary gains.
“The problem about aspiring young footballers in the country these days is about their crave for money,” begins the former Super Eagle star who played most of his club football in Germany.
“There is this money mentality among young boys nowadays even before they have made any headway playing locally. The passion for the game is no longer there and it’s saddening.
“During our days, we started playing football just for the love of the game. It was later we started making money playing the game. It’s suppose to be passion first before money.
“Even when you go to Europe, you need to focus on playing good football instead of money. Once you’re playing well, it’s certain ‘Oyinbo’ will come for you with good offer,” said Akpoborie who scored Golden Eaglets’s first goal in the 2-0 win over Germany in the first edition of FIFA U-16 World Championship held in China in 1985.