Junior Lokosa may not be ready for the FIFA 2018 World Cup because he lacks international exposure and experience, according to former Super Eagles captain and Head Coach, Augustine Eguavoen.
Lokosa, who is only one of three home based players selected by Gernot Rohr in Nigeria’s 30-man provisional world cup squad, but is yet to earn a cap.
The Kano Pillars hit man is currently the NPFL’s top scorer and his inclusion has continued to divide opinions.
Eguavoen, who represented Nigeria at the World Cup in 1994 and became Head Coach later in 2002 also waded in on the Lokosa debate.
Speaking on Brila FM’s Big Sports Breakfast show, Eguavoen argued that the forward needs more exposure on the international stage and consistency in his goalscoring form to command an automatic spot in a world cup bound team.
‘With all due respect, Junior Lokosa is the highest scorer in the league. He averages a goal every two matches, but, I won’t take him to the world cup.
‘The world cup or national team isn’t same as the league. If I were the coach, I won’t take him to the world cup, not this time.’
‘He’s not tested on the international level and it is important that he has that experience. Even if he does well against DR Congo I’ll still not take him; it’s the first time.’
