Nigerian ex-international, Paul Okoku has made a fresh case for the inclusion of home-based players in the Super Eagles’ main squad and added that such invitees should be used in matches, not as ‘training materials.’
Sports247 reports that, with Super Eagles’ coach, Eric Sekou Chelle set to name his squad for the 2026 Unity Cup, Okoku reckoned that the Franco-Malian tactician should understand the relevance of home-based players.
Okoku acknowledged that foreign-based players are exposed to better technique and sophisticated training facilities at various bases across Europe, but the former football star suggested a blend of overseas talent with those in the domestic league.
He posited, “Nigeria’s national team selection must strike a deliberate and fair balance between foreign-based professionals and home-based players. The argument is simple: select the best players, regardless of where they play.
“When home-based players are consistently overlooked, the system begins to send an unintended message that the local league is inferior or merely a stepping stone. Once a nation loses faith in its development pipeline, it begins to lose identity.
“There is no denying that players in Europe benefit from advanced infrastructure, tactical exposure, and high-intensity competition. However, this does not automatically render home-based players incapable or unworthy.”
