Former Nigeria international Edema Fuludu has called for a deliberate and structured approach to developing home-based players, insisting that Nigeria must invest more in grooming local talent for the future of the national team.
READ ALSO: ‘It Won’t Even Be Heard’ Elumelu Slams NFF Appeal — Says Nigeria Failed On The Pitch, Not In Court
Speaking on the need for long-term planning, Fuludu emphasized the importance of establishing consistent training camps where domestic players can be monitored, developed, and integrated into the national setup.
“We need to start grooming them,” he said.
According to him, keeping players in camp over a period of time will allow coaches to properly assess their abilities, track their progress, and build a cohesive unit from within the local league.
“It helps in identification,” he implied.
Fuludu believes that such an approach would create a strong foundation for Nigerian football, ensuring that talented players from the domestic scene are not overlooked.
“It gives them a chance,” he noted.
He also pointed out that developing local players is not just about immediate results, but about building a sustainable system that feeds into the senior national team.
“It’s about the future,” he stressed.
For Fuludu, the benefits go beyond player development, it also strengthens the domestic league by increasing its relevance and visibility.
“When players see opportunity, they improve,” he added.
His comments come amid ongoing debates about the role of home-based players in the Super Eagles and the need for a more inclusive selection process.
As Nigeria looks to rebuild after recent disappointments, the focus is increasingly shifting toward grassroots and local development.
For Fuludu, the message is clear.
The talent is there.
What is needed is structure.
Because in football, development does not happen by chance.
It happens by design.
