Lawal faults commitment of overseas-bred players in the Super Eagles
Former Real Madrid star, Dimeji Lawal has faulted the commitment of overseas-bred players in the Super Eagles of Nigeria team. SportsRation reports.
Lawal who currently works as General Manager of NPFL side, Shooting Stars Sports Club says head coach, Jose Peseiro should look at inviting players who grew up in Nigeria and will be committed to national team duty.
“I am not happy with Super Eagles’ preparation for the 2023 AFCON, which will start just next month,” Lawal told GUARDIAN.
“The coach is still inviting overseas-born players for different games.
“That a player is performing well in the English League, German Bundesliga, or Spanish La Liga does not mean the player will be outstanding at the AFCON. It is a different championship meant for tough players.
“Kanu Nwankwo, who was the best in Europe during his days, could not score at the AFCON throughout his career as a footballer. This shows how tough the AFCON competition is.
“Players like Victor Osimhen, Chukwueze, Ndidi, Iheanacho, and others who grew up in Nigeria and played in our domestic football system understand the seriousness and how to approach games with African teams.
“A player that does not have attachment to Nigeria cannot go the extra mile to get positive result.
“How many times have you heard that a foreign-born Nigerian player gets injured playing for the country? We need serious, selfless, and committed players to win AFCON.
“You cannot expose overseas-born Nigerian players to the scorching sun of Africa and expect good results.
” What happened in the Zimbabwe and Lesotho World Cup qualifiers is a clear testimony of what I am saying. Nations Cup is not for players that lack patriotic zeal and commitment to die on the pitch to achieve results for the country,” Lawal said.
