The second highest goal scorer in the recently concluded Nigeria Professional Football League Sikiru Alimi says the departure of former coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Finidi George will hamper the chances of players in the league making it to the Super Eagles, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Alimi finished with 14 goals, four behind top scorer Chijioke Mbaoma of Enyimba who finished as top scorer last season. He said the exit of the coach who handed call up and a debut to his teammate Ismaila Sadiq will have a huge effect on hope of players in the league making it to the Super Eagles.
Finidi was axed after the disappointment of the last international break, where the Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa before losing 1-2 to Benin Republic. The result which saw them drop to 5th in the six team group for the world cup qualifiers made the NFF to say they will get an expatriate coach for the Nigerian team.
Speaking in an interview with SportsBoom.com, Alimi said . “Honestly, it would affect call-ups for home-based players, unless the new coach proves otherwise,” he admits.
“Most expatriate coaches hired for the Super Eagles don’t follow the League, hence, don’t even know the players, or the quality of players the league has”.
He however admitted that the players playing abroad have an edge due to the better environment under which they play at their various teams. ”
“Honestly, it’s not the right thing to do making comparisons,” he says.
“There would definitely be lots of qualities from the foreign pros because of the quality of infrastructures, equipment, and technical teachings they are exposed to, compared to the home-based.”
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
