Ex-internationals, Victor Ikpeba and Ifeanyi Udeze have joined their voice to serve cautions to the Nigeria football federation over begging foreign-based stars into playing for the Super Eagles.
The popular Prince of Monaco, Victor Ikpeba played thirty-one international matches and scored seven goals during his career for Nigeria. He also played at the FIFA World Cups in 1994 and 1998 in USA and France respectively.
In an exclusive interview with brila.net, Ikpeba warns the NFF against trying to force in the process of luring any foreign-based player to represent the National team, saying Nigeria is too rich in potentials to be begging players to come into the team.
In his own words, Former West Bromwich Albion of England defender, Ifeanyi Udeze was in support of Victor Ikpeba’s opinion. “I think the NFF should not beg anyone to play for the Super Eagles, On a good day, the players themselves are supposed to contact the NFF in quest of an opportunity,” Udeze told brila.net
“These guys should learn from top players like John Fashanu, Most times, players end up regretting these decisions of turning down their fatherland,” says the former PAOK Thessaloniki of Greece wing back.
Over the years, the NFF have been knocking on the doors of players like Gabby Agbonlahor, Oguchi Onyewu, Angelo Ogbona, Jordon Ibe, Nedum Onuoha, and most recently, Tammy Abraham just to represent their fatherland.
The two Ex-internationals have now dropped their voice to serve as a caution for the NFF as they continue their luring process ahead of the Russia 2018 FIFA world cup.
Nigeria will take on Algeria in their final 2018 World Cup qualifier on November 10 in Algiers, having already booked their place in next year’s tournament.
