Bayelsa Queens head coach Ogbonda Whyte has called for the creation of a second Super Falcons team made up entirely of home-based players, insisting it is the only way to genuinely assess and develop local talent.
Speaking on the continuous inclusion of domestic players in national team camps without meaningful game time, Whyte argued that the current system limits growth and confidence among home-based footballers.
“We keep inviting home-based players to camp, but most of them don’t get the opportunity to play,” Whyte said. “Without real match exposure, you can’t truly judge their quality or help them improve.”
The Bayelsa Queens coach explained that establishing a parallel national team for domestic players would create a clear pathway for development, while also strengthening competition within the Super Falcons setup.
“A second team made up of home-based players will give coaches the chance to properly assess them in competitive matches,” he added. “It also motivates the players, because they know their performances actually count.”
Whyte noted that Nigeria has abundant talent in the domestic women’s league, but warned that ignoring them during competitive fixtures could hurt the long-term depth of the national team.
“If we are serious about sustaining success, we must invest in our local players,” he said. “Other countries are doing it, and it’s paying off.”
The former league-winning coach urged the Nigeria Football Federation to see the proposal as a developmental strategy rather than a threat to the established national team.
“This is not about replacing anyone,” Whyte stressed. “It’s about building a stronger base so that the Super Falcons remain dominant for years to come.”
His comments come amid ongoing discussions about squad depth, player rotation and long-term planning for Nigeria’s women’s natio;nal teams.
