The News making the rounds between yesterday and the early hours of today is one with headline such as this, “NPFL Players are not Good Enough – Victor Agali”.
The former Super Eagles star was of the Opinion that “NPFL Players are not good enough”. He was also of the opinion that their foreign counterparts are better.
Agali statement lack respect for Players plying their trade in the NPFL. This is perhaps coming on the back of the scrutiny that Gernot Rohr have consistently received for not inviting many NPFL Players to the Squad. Agali might be thinking he is doing enough to back the German tactician who have invited few home based players unlike his predecessors.
It is surprising to see a player who started his football career in Nigeria with Princess Jegede side in 1994, before eventually moving to Lagos based club Nitel Lagos a year later, claiming that players of the NPFL aren’t good enough.
On what basis are these guys not good enough?
On what grounds is Agali, 41, making such claims. Was he able to observe the NPFL stars at close quarters? How many NPFL games does he see in a week?
A talent is only seen when you offer an opportunity for such to be horned. Surprisingly, most of the players plying their trade in the NPFL aren’t given any opportunity.
Here are some reasons why the available talents in the NPFL are not seen by those doing the scouting.
1. Lack of Proper Broadcast
One of the best platform on which the good players in a League are noticed is from watching live broadcasts or Videos of such players and from which observers can run the rule to see if such individuals deserve to move to a better club or deserve a call up to the National side.
Most of these players playing in the NPFL are hidden from the outside world. Little is known about these guys. You can’t find their profiles on Google.
In my own opinion it is the NPFL that is not good enough and not the players. Those in charge of the league are not doing enough to sell the league to the outside World.
Michael Ohanu
2. Focus of scouts are on Foreign players of dual Nationality
Those in charge of the National team have shown time without number that their priorities are securing the services of foreign players with dual Nationality.
This is evident in the efforts to ensure players such as Saka of Arsenal, Kevin Akpoguma of Hoffenheim, Cyriel Desserts of Genk, Eberechi Eze of Queens Park Rangers and a host of others.
Kevin Akpoguma of Hoffenheim
NPFL stars contribution for the National Team in time past
The squad that won the 1994 AFCON were mostly home based players, made up of the likes of Rashidi Yekini and the others
The AFCON won in 2013 under the tutelage of the Late Stephen Keshi had players who played in the League before eventually moving Abroad after the Tournament.
Players such Oboabona and Sunday Mbah the eventual hero for the National team at the tournament were all playing in the domestic League before the Tournament started.
What NFF must do to hunt for Talents for the National Team
The League Management Company under the supervision of Mallam Shehu Dikko must do more to organize tournaments just as they did a few years ago when the NPFL all Stars faced La Liga sides such Athletico Madrid. Such exposure helps players to be discovered since the League does not have the needed coverage that will help sell out our players or help those who are in the recruitment wing of the National Team discover them.
NFF need to do more in terms cajoling those in charge of the Super Eagles to give those in the Domestic League a chance. The NPFL will only gain recognition when these players get chance to play for the National Team on a consistent basis.