As reactions continue trailing the poor outing of Nigeria’s home-based national team at this year’s Championship of African Nations (CHAN 2024), Wikki Tourist FC of Bauchi’s coach, Abdu Maikaba has suggested that the squad should be given more time to stay together longer in camp.
Sports247 reports that Maikaba, who has coached several other clubs in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) and was at a point in charge of the under-20 national team, Flying Eagles, inferred that this year’s CHAN squad failed because they did not have enough time to understand one another.
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He suggested further that Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) should come out with a strategy whereby home-based players would be invited to the national camp even when there is no competition at hand, so that the players and coaches could familiarise themselves with what it means to be in the Eagles’ B-squad.
Maikaba reasoned, “The NFF should give good time for preparation of the team. Not because of the competition only, but also for continuity.
“From time to time, the home-based national team should play a friendly game. Let them decamp and recamp continuously so that we will have an idea about the best players in our domestic league.”
The former head coach at FC Abuja, Enyimba of Aba, Akwa United of Uyo, Plateau United of Jos and Kano Pillars further pointed out that keeping home-based players together for longer periods in camp would make them get into top shape and competition mode at short notice.
“We have to see how we can keep them together to form a regular team. When a competition is around, and you call the players together, it would not be difficult for them to form a cohesive side that can represent Nigeria well,” Maikaba opined.
