Monday Odigie, the Technical Adviser of Bendel Insurance, has underscored the importance of providing encouragement to Homebase players in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
Expressing his views on harnessing talent from the domestic league, Odigie emphasized the need for organized events, such as regular friendly matches, to nurture and prepare players for potential inclusion in the senior national team.
“I know all they need is encouragement, and like I said, what is wrong? If from time to time we have a coming together of players playing in the league to come together for a game or two, like a friendly.
That also makes them ready and allows them to be ready if they get called to the senior national team,” Odigie stated, highlighting the significance of creating opportunities for players to showcase their skills.
Odigie further illustrated his point by referencing the CHAN (African Nations Championship) competition, designed for home-based players.
He proposed the implementation of a structured approach, involving regular gatherings and friendly matches, to identify and evaluate indigenous players in the NPFL who could contribute effectively to the Super Eagles.
“If we come together maybe once or twice in a month if that kind of thing is put in place, we can identify the many indigenous players in our league that will be good enough to play in the Super Eagles,” Odigie asserted, emphasizing the potential positive impact of a systematic and consistent approach in talent identification.
As Odigie advocates for increased support and opportunities for Homebase players, his insights shed light on the importance of fostering a conducive environment within the NPFL for the growth and development of talents who could make significant contributions to the national team.
