This phenomenon is not unique to England but exists all over Europe. With the players getting huge salaries if you don't perform, you won't get an automatic place. Lanre Khayusta, Nigeria Most African players in the English leagues, have trouble coping with a plethora of unbecoming circumstances. The English appetite for dynamic running coupled with raw maniacal aerial duels are not conducive for the African player. Also, most Africans suffer a barrage of racial abuse, on or off the field.
Psychological preparedness is paramount for the African player.
The problem essentially stems from the club versus country dilemma. Premiership club managers are often reluctant to release African players for their national assignments and even when released, their team places are jeopardised. What aggravates the situation, particularly in England, is that the management adopt a colonial mentality whereby they consider African continental competitions such as the African Nations Cup as being lesser tournaments and attach more importance to say a Worthington Cup tie than a Nations Cup qualifier. Players from so-called emerging football nations also suffer. Links to top Sports Talk stories are at the foot of the page.