Former Adamawa United FC Chairman, Emmanuel Zira, has called on Super Eagles Head Coach Eric Chelle to give more opportunities to domestic-based players as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Zira made the remarks following the qualifying draw, which placed Nigeria in Group L alongside Tanzania, Madagascar, and Guinea-Bissau. He described the group as favourable for the Super Eagles, emphasizing the need to blend local talent with experienced foreign-based players.
“The draw is kind to us, and while no African team is an easy opponent, this is a chance to integrate our home-based stars,” Zira said.
He stressed the importance of leveraging domestic league talent to rebuild the national squad, suggesting that local players can handle these matches successfully with guidance from seasoned international players.
“We need to start identifying stars in the Nigerian league, invite them to the national team, and combine them with foreign-based professionals to guide them,” Zira added.
His comments underscore the ongoing debate on balancing foreign-based and home-grown players in Nigeria’s national team ahead of major continental tournaments.
