Former Nigeria U-23 assistant coach Fatai Amoo has backed the decision to give home-based players an opportunity in the national U-23 team, insisting that a well-structured programme could help Nigeria develop future Super Eagles stars while strengthening their qualification prospects.
Amoo, who worked with the Nigerian Olympic team ahead of the 2016 Rio Games, believes selecting players from the domestic league is a positive step, provided they receive adequate preparation and technical support.
“It’s a good opportunity for the home-based players,” Amoo said.
Recalling Nigeria’s preparations for the Rio Olympics under Samson Siasia, he explained that the technical crew initially relied heavily on players from the domestic league before gradually introducing overseas-based professionals.
“We started with the home-based players. They formed the majority of the players,” he recalled.
“As we were moving up, we started inviting one or two, three players before we eventually qualified and brought in some professional players to strengthen the team.”
Nigeria subsequently won bronze at the 2016 Olympics, demonstrating the value of combining domestic talent with experienced players based abroad.
Amoo believes the current U-23 setup can adopt a similar approach, giving local players valuable international exposure and opportunities to advance their careers.
“For me, I’m on the side of giving the home-based players the opportunity,” he stated.
“A lot of them can move up to the Super Eagles.”
He added that strong performances could also attract interest from foreign clubs, creating further opportunities for young Nigerian footballers.
However, Amoo warned that success would depend on proper organisation and adequate preparation rather than selection alone.
“It has to be well structured so that there can be understanding among the players,” he explained.
The former coach stressed that building cohesion would improve Nigeria’s chances of progressing through the qualification campaign.
“That can really give them a good chance of moving to the next round of the competition,” he concluded.
