Former Nigeria International Peter Ijeh has shared his insights on the state of football in the Country, stressing the need for players to feel a deeper sense of commitment to the national team.

Speaking on “No Holds Barred” with Ifeanyi Udeze on Brila Media, the former Copenhagen forward stated that players need to be encouraged to come back to Nigeria to play, highlighting a lack of orientation and connection to the national spirit.

Peter Ijeh during a Uefa Cup qualification game in Malmo. (Photo credit should read LENNART MANSSON/AFP via Getty Images)

“We need to try and work out something that will encourage the players abroad to even come to Nigeria to play.” Ijeh stated.

“There is what we call orientation and that’s why whenever the Super Eagles lose any particular match, you will see no remorse in them.

“It doesn’t pain them; it is as if it’s another match. But if you truly have that Nigerian spirit, if you pass through our league and our spirit and you lose for Nigeria here or anywhere in the world, it will pain you. You won’t even want to come out.”

Ijeh also criticized the notion of players using Nigeria as a backup option saying; “We shouldn’t allow any player to take us as plan B. It’s wrong, but we should never allow that.”

Addressing competition within the team, the 47 year-old stated that having a competitive environment is crucial for the national team’s success and enables the players to give their all.

“If players see that there is competition in the team, everyone will sit up. But if it’s one set of players one coach is using, that’s what he will keep using.

“These players don’t have real competition because they know that whether it’s bad or good, nothing will happen; they are the ones there.”

“There are some players that have been flagged, but Nigerians are quiet because everybody wants everybody to do their job but if they neutralize everything, and the national team make the best players come to represent for these six remaining games things will change,” he concluded.