Nigeria Professional Football League legend and Player’s Advisor, Victor Ezeji has stated that the efforts of the home-based players in the Nigerian leagues are not been recognised, hence the invitation of just one home-based player in the Super Eagles squad for 2021 AFCON qualifiers against Sierra Leone.
Ezeji told brila.net that the exemption of home-based player is absurd and it’s down to a foundation problem “Every footballer’s aim is to wear his national team colours and Excel in their career but then when you put in the efforts and no one recognises it, it’s just sad.
The players are not encouraged to play at home, the national team coaches do not watch league games. We have bundle of talents here in Nigeria, we just need to lay a good foundation.”
The two-time CAF Champions League winner added that the exodus of players from the Nigerian league to obscure leagues in the world is due to the recurring disregard of home-based players.
“Our players are not working towards making the National team because they know the Coach will not consider them. Why spend money to invite 24 players when you’re playing Sierra Leone not tough opponents like Cote d’Ivoire or Egypt.
“No country will invite 24 professional players for a game against Sierra Leone. The coach could have invited 4 or 6 home-based players for the game because all 24 players won’t play the game across 2 legs.”
However, The NPFL legend who played 20-years in the league believes the current Super Eagles players/invitees actually deserved their invites as they’re currently outstanding at their different clubsides.
