There is a particular need to strengthen our national teams with a
strong dosage of home-based talents. The unhealthy emphasis in the
use of foreign-based players for every qualifying or even friendly
international match must be addressed. The home-based players have
always been the engine room of most of our successful national
teams at male, female, junior and senior levels.

We can count the number of foreign-based players who helped us win
any major international competition on our fingers. The bulk has
always been local talent. Indeed, the late Stephen Keshi won our last
AFCON trophy with mostly local players.

The reasons for the successes of our home-based players are many.
They are raw and hungry to raise their careers to international
standards. They are motivated by the exposure because it is often a
stepping stone to career promotion.
On the other hand, the foreign-based invitees already feel
accomplished and are home to give back. But they also avoid risks.
They know that a serious injury could devastate their career
prospects. When the worst happens, they would be abandoned, as
experience has shown.

The NFF must design a strategy for robust talent scouting, especially
in our leagues and playgrounds. We are convinced that Nigeria has
enough talent at home and overseas to dominate football in Africa.
A good mix of foreign and home-based players under the right kind
of coaches will take Nigeria back where we belong in football.

The Eagles’ poor run of form must end. Beyond just the coaches, the
NFF must also be made to pay a price for failures of our football.