Plateau United coach Mbwas Mangut has expressed concern over Nigeria’s increasing reliance on foreign players as the Super Eagles prepare for the next round of Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.

Mangut stressed that while the players playing abroad are talented and dedicated, the exclusion of local players from the national team could be detrimental to Nigeria’s success.

“I must tell them to look at history. There is no trophy that Nigeria wins without having at least 20% of its local base, look at the record,” Mangut said. “And there is no coach who has won any trophy in the senior men’s team without using local boys.”

The Plateau United coach further argued that local players, being more familiar with the challenges and emotions of representing Nigeria, often bring a unique drive that foreign players may lack.

“They are hungrier and more frequent. Most of these kids who grew up there don’t even know what a Nigerian feels when we lose a game. They have quality, they are good players. But you know, this is our homeland and the players here are not motivated. I don’t think what we are doing makes sense.”

Mangut concluded by calling for a more inclusive approach that values ​​the contributions of local talent to the national team’s efforts.

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