Playing in Turkey is Dangerous for Nigerians – Okechukwu

Yeni Malatyaspor midfielder Azubuike Okechukwu has admitted that playing in Turkey may have affected his chances in the Super Eagles.

Okechukwu made his senior debut for the Super Eagles in 2016 but hasn’t been involved with the team since then.

His second invite arrived seven years later as coach Salisu Yusuf included him in the squad for the games against Mexico and Ecuador scheduled to hold later this month in United States.

“I think the league played a major role for not being in the mix for a long time,” the Midfielder responded to a question about his hiatus from the team.

“You can see some players in other leagues are making the list. I’ve always been a regular for my team; even played in Europa League, but wasn’t called.

“So I think the league played a major role, for example, a player like Nwakaeme who is very good and can help the team, but he’s not invited. So I feel the league plays a role.”

The midfielder added that he won’t mind moving to Spain or England to brighten his chances in the National team.

“Yes, I’ve thought about it (leaving Turkey). I spoke to my agent last year, we had some good offers from good Leagues, but there are a lot of factors to be considered when it comes to transfer, not just money.

“In Turkey, I have all my life, and as an African you know the money is important, because you have a family to provide.

“But it’s a possibility in the future, I could leave for better leagues and see if I’ll be consistent in the national team,” He concluded.