Since Gernot Rohr became coach of the Super Eagles, there has been a clamour for NPFL players to be part of his team but the coach was hesitant initially before giving them a chance. During this period, he gave opportunity to some home-based players like Ezenwa, Anayo, Adeleke and others. Now, the home based players may not get a chance to play at the AFCON...CONTINUE READING
The long absence of the league is a disadvantage to the home-based players who may not get the opportunity they deserve. In the provisional list of tournaments, coaches include as many as 40 players and from that pool, he can select his players.
John Noble of Enyimba, who has recently been getting invitation to the national team has not been in a competitive game since the league ended in August and Ojo Olorunleke seems to be the new number one goalkeeper at Enyimba
Last season’s NPFL top scorer, Silas Nwankwo who scored 18 goals has not been in action. Enyimba’s Adekunle Adeleke is the only active NPFL Super Eagles player as he has played games for Enyimba at the CAF Confederation Cup
The NPFL will resume on December 17 but the time may be short for the players. Even if Gernot Rohr listed some NPFL players in his provisional list sent to CAF, they may not be in top form to compete for places with their foreign counterparts who has been active in Europe since the NPFL ended. NPFL players played against Mexico and players from that game will also be hopeful of a chance in the first team
There are good players in the NPFL who can truly compete in the Super Eagles, especially as the team may get a new coach who believes in the home based players. Though the dream of playing AFCON 2022 is almost over for the NPFL players, they can hang to slim hopes, especially those players who recently played at the CAF Confederation Cup