Oyuiki Obaseki wants more home-based players in the Nigeria squad
The chairman of the Nigeria Premier League, Oyuiki Obaseki, has expressed his disappointment with national team coach Shaibu Amodu for overlooking home-based players.
The Super Eagles are currently in real danger of not qualifying for the 2010 World Cup, they are second in Group B with seven points, two behind leaders Tunisia.
Obaseki insists that part of the problem is that Amodu relies on overseas-based players rather than consider the talent in the Nigerian Premier League.
"It only shows that he does not go out to watch the local league," Obaseki said.
"If he was going round the clubs, watching the local league, he would have had more than four, five or six home-based players in the team.
"It's either he takes the Super Eagles to the World Cup or he resigns."
But the under-fire Amodu, who only named two local players in the squad to face Mozambique on 11 October, said his established foreign-based stars would continue to play a key role in the qualifying campaign.
I have always said it that we could have three Super Eagles teams made up of home-based players that could beat any of the teams from Europe
Oyuiki Obaseki, chairman of the Nigeria Premier League
"We appreciate the talents of the players in the local league, they will be given a chance but at this crucial stage it will be very difficult," Amodu responded. Defenders Chibuzor Okonkwo of Bayelsa United and James Okwosah from Lobi Stars have been included in his latest 30-man squad.
Despite their inclusion, Obaseki remains upset with Amodu's refusal to attend domestic matches where he believes there are several players worthy of invitations to the Super Eagles fold.
"Where is the highest goalscorer last season? Is he from Bayelsa, Heartland or Kano Pillars? He doesn't even know," Obaseki questioned.
"Players based abroad have to justify their status in the national team but our clubs successful campaign in the continental championships is an indication to their professionalism and ability.
"I have always said it that we could have three Super Eagles teams made up of home-based players that could beat any of the teams from Europe," Obaseki explained.
The Nigerian media and fans have consistently called for a blend of the local and foreign-based players to spark a healthy competition for a slot in the squad.
The faltering Super Eagles need to win their final two matches while hoping the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia lose to Kenya or Mozambique to qualify for next year's World Cup in South Africa.
Nigeria's final group match is away to the Harambee Stars of Kenya on 14 November.
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