Former Nigerian international Sylvanus Okpala has expressed his desire for Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro to prioritize home-based players in the upcoming final game of the 2023 AFCON qualifier against São Tomé and Principe.
The Nigerian team has already secured their spot in the AFCON tournament next year following a thrilling 3-2 victory over Sierra Leone in Monrovia, Liberia during the fifth match-day.
With their qualification assured, the Eagles will face bottom-ranked São Tomé in a home game scheduled for September, and Okpala believes it presents an excellent opportunity to test the skills of domestic players. During an appearance on the Breakfast Show on Brila FM, Okpala, who was part of the victorious 1980 AFCON-winning squad, emphasized the importance of giving local talents a chance.
Okpala asserted, “I would like the home-based players to be used for the match against São Tomé and Principe. There’s no need to invite the main Super Eagles players, whether the game will be played at home or away.” The former player, who was also a member of Stephen Keshi’s coaching staff when Nigeria triumphed in the 2013 AFCON, further suggested that Peseiro should consider including foreign-based players who have been on the fringes of the team.
Okpala emphasized the importance of granting opportunities to foreign-based players who have struggled to secure regular playing time with the national team. By selecting such individuals, Peseiro can provide them with valuable game experience and assess their potential contribution to the squad.
As the Eagles prepare for the final round of games, Okpala’s recommendations carry weight due to his extensive experience and success in African football. Peseiro will need to carefully consider his player selection for the match against São Tomé and Principe, keeping in mind both the desire to experiment with home-based talents and the inclusion of foreign-based players seeking more playing time.
The encounter with São Tomé presents an ideal platform for the Super Eagles to showcase the depth of talent within Nigeria’s footballing ranks. It will also provide valuable insights for the coaching staff ahead of the upcoming AFCON tournament, as they strive to assemble a formidable squad capable of achieving success on the continental stage.
