Former Super Eagles defender Sam Sodje has backed the idea of recruiting Nigerian players born abroad, but criticized the approach being taken by the Nigeria Football Federation.
Speaking on the growing trend of attracting dual-nationality players, Sodje acknowledged that the strategy is not new and has historically benefited the national team.
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“It has always been there,” he said.
Having personally benefited from such an opportunity during his playing days, Sodje made it clear that he supports the initiative in principle.
“It’s a good idea,” he implied.
However, the former defender raised concerns about how the policy is currently being implemented, particularly the apparent neglect of players in the domestic league.
“That’s where the problem is,” he noted.
According to Sodje, focusing too heavily on foreign-based players risks creating an imbalance within the team, as local talents are left without opportunities to contribute.
“We need balance,” he stressed.
He emphasized the importance of blending both home-based and foreign-based players to create a more competitive and cohesive squad.
“You must combine both,” he added.
For Sodje, the strength of Nigerian football has always been its diversity of talent — and maintaining that balance is key to long-term success.
“It’s about building properly,” he said.
His comments reflect ongoing debates about player selection and development, as Nigeria looks to rebuild after recent setbacks.
As the Super Eagles move forward, the challenge will be finding the right mix of experience, exposure, and local talent.
For Sodje, the message is clear.
Recruit widely.
But don’t forget home.
Because in football, balance is everything.
