Former Super Eagles winger, Tijani Babangida, says players playing in Europe’s second tier division shouldn’t be called up to play for the Super Eagles.
Babangida, who is additionally the President, Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria, disclosed this while he was interviewed by The Punch.
He said: “Nigeria has never given a blank check to a coach because it has given to Gernot Rohr.
“The country must have a system in situ to groom players from the local league for the national teams. The coach and his backroom staff got to stay within the country to coach the local players.
“We don’t have a robust national team. Players playing within the lower division in Europe shouldn’t be invited to the national team.
“In Europe, they don’t invite players who aren’t varsity regulars to the national team but here (in Nigeria) we even invite inactive players for games.”
50minds writes that both Kenneth Omeruo, William Troost-Ekong and Jamilu Colins play prominent roles for the Super Eagles but they play their trade second division clubs in Europe.
Omeruo plays for Leganes within the Spanish Segunda division while Troost-Ekong play for English Championship side, Watford.
