Former youth international goalkeeper Ambrose Vanzekin has joined growing calls for domestic league players to be reintegrated into the Super Eagles, questioning their continued exclusion from national team selections.
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Speaking ahead of the upcoming Unity Cup, Vanzekin expressed frustration at what he sees as a persistent neglect of home-based players, despite their performances in the Nigerian league.
“Why are they being ignored?” he asked, highlighting the imbalance in selection.
For Vanzekin, the issue is not just about opportunity, but fairness.
He believes that players competing in the domestic league deserve recognition and a pathway to represent the country at the highest level.
“They deserve better,” he stressed.
The former goalkeeper argued that including local players in the national team setup would not only boost morale within the league but also strengthen the overall pool of talent available to the coaching staff.
“It’s good for football,” he implied.
He also pointed out that competitions like the Unity Cup provide the perfect platform to test these players without the pressure of major tournaments.
“This is the right time,” he noted.
Vanzekin’s comments echo a wider debate within Nigerian football, where stakeholders have repeatedly called for a better balance between foreign-based and home-based players.
For many, integrating domestic talents is essential for developing a more inclusive and sustainable system.
As the Super Eagles prepare for upcoming fixtures, the spotlight will be on selection decisions and whether they reflect this growing demand for change.
For Vanzekin, the message is simple.
Talent should not be overlooked.
And opportunity should be based on merit — not location.
Because in football, every player deserves a chance.
