Former Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo, has voiced his concerns regarding the exclusion of home-based players from the national team, emphasizing the need for their inclusion to foster growth in the domestic league.
Ighalo, speaking on the 40-man provisional list for the Super Eagles, expressed his belief that a significant number of home-based players should be part of the selection to provide them with the recognition and encouragement they deserve.
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“I don’t think it is right not to invite home base players. This is a 40-man list; at least 7 to 5 players should be on the list to encourage them.
Not inviting them means you don’t focus on the league. You don’t trust them; you don’t encourage them,” stated Ighalo.
The seasoned striker believes that the absence of home-based players from the national team selection sends a negative message about the trust and support placed in players from the local league.
Odion Ighalo, who has had a successful career both domestically and internationally, stressed the importance of recognizing the talent within the local league to boost its credibility and motivate aspiring players.
The former Super Eagles striker believes that inviting home-based players is not only a display of trust but also a means of encouraging them to strive for excellence.
The debate over the inclusion of home-based players in the national team has been a recurring topic in Nigerian football.
Ighalo’s comments add weight to the conversation, as he advocates for a balanced representation that supports the growth of both local talent and the overall football landscape in Nigeria.
As the football community awaits the final squad announcement, Ighalo’s perspective adds a valuable voice to the ongoing discussions surrounding the development and recognition of talent within Nigeria’s footballing ecosystem.
