Friday Ekpo fails in Super Eagles selection process

Former Nigeria international, Friday Ekpo, has criticized the decision of Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle’s planned European scouting program for foreign-born Nigerian players ahead of upcoming international friendlies.

In a talk with Brila.net, Ekpo denounced the abandonment of local talents.

Ekpo argued that the continued preference for foreign players limits opportunities for locally developed footballers and weakens their progression in the national team setup.

“I don’t know why the coach does that,” questioned the former player.

When do you really want to have local players in the national team? You can say you want to have them in this game and in the next you won’t use them.”

He further questioned the logic of focusing on European players who may have little or no prior connection to Nigerian football.

“You are going to Europe to find the one who was born in Europe and has not been to Nigeria before and you are begging him to play for Nigeria?

“If that’s the case, that shouldn’t be happening at all. When will local players get the experience of being on the national team?”

Ekpo also highlighted that local players already gain valuable exposure through national competitions and continental tournaments, which should be considered in their development path.

“The local league Plyers also sometimes play in the CAF Champions League and the Confederations Cup.

“It’s that kind of experience these guys need. Any club that qualifies for the Champions League plays and the players are chosen from there.”

Super Eagles selection requires balance

He suggested a more balanced approach, combining local and foreign players in friendly matches to build chemistry and provide evaluation opportunities.

“So why can’t they combine local players with foreign players to play in Portugal, Poland and the Unity Cup? It shouldn’t always be the foreign players.”

Reflecting on his own career, Ekpo stated that he would reject call-ups if faced with similar circumstances due to lack of proper integration and preparation.

“If I was still playing and they called me up, I would let it go because it will take me time to prepare.

“The type of friendly matches that will serve as preparation for future matches is not chosen.

“When will I really get the feel of the World Cup qualifiers?”

Many football stakeholders have also expressed the opinion that the recent friendly matches should provide opportunities for local players.

Although Chelle has indicated plans to include NPFL players for the Unity Cup, reports suggest that he has also continued to look for European players of Nigerian descent.

Ekpo, who earned 24 caps for the Nigerian national team between 1987 and 1993, spent most of his playing career in the national league.

He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and technically gifted midfielders in the history of Nigerian club football.