Festus Abu
Algiers ’90 Africa Cup of Nations silver medallist Moses Kpakor has questioned Nigeria caretaker coach Salisu Yusuf’s decision to name 25 foreign-based players for the Super Eagles’ friendly games against Mali and Luxembourg.
The Eagles face Mali in France on May 27 before journeying to Luxembourg to engage the tiny European nation on June 1.
Yusuf had last month called up 26 players for the two encounters, with Sunshine Stars goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa an outsider in the foreign domination.
Kpakor, who has expressed his displeasure with the squad for the fixtures, says the former Enyimba manager has missed an opportunity to make his mark on the national team.
Kpakor wondered why Yusuf, who many believe was considered for the job following his impressive resume in the domestic scene, opted for overseas-based players for both games, saying the ex-Kano Pillars boss had disappointed his fans.
“Yusuf should have named a squad consisting of domestic league players for the two friendlies,” the former BCC Lions captain told our correspondent on the telephone on Tuesday.
“They are just friendly games; nothing at stake. He has missed a golden opportunity to make his mark by discovering new players for the national team.”
He added, “I thought Yusuf would play the home boys in the two games to assess their performances. The matches will not help the overseas-based players because many of them know that they will be selected for the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
“The domestic league players are hungry and ready to die on the pitch to make a name for themselves.
“They know that scouts would be at the stadiums to watch them. They could get contracts in Europe.
“The coach should be thinking of how many home boys would break into the Eagles.”humanity well.
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