Former interim coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Austine Eguavoen says the practice of having players born abroad is a trend that has come to stay in Nigerian football.
Eguavoen who returned to his role as technical director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) after the failure to qualify for the World Cup 2022 in Qatar,no thanks to the 1-1 draw against Ghana in Abuja disagrees with the notion that players born abroad are not commited to the team.
The coach who insist he is an advocate for players playing in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) however feels the level of international football for now is too steep for players in the NPFL.
” In terms of talent, they are talented but these days talent is not enough. There is a level you have to reach to be able to compete at international football level. Sadly our league is not at that level yet but we have some really good talent”, he said.
“That said you have to be objective when it comes to the issue of players born abroad. Contrary to opinions in some quarters. They are very commited to the Nigerian cause else they won’t accept to play. Look at the level they are and you’ll understand that the team need them to be competitive. I feel it’s a trend that has come to stay”, he concluded.
