Former Super Eagles defender, Ifeanyi Udeze has come out with a suggestion that the Nigerian national team needs new players who will improve competition for jerseys in the squad. The former PAOK Saloniki of Greece and West Bromwich Albion of England left back, who was part of Nigeria’s squad to Korea/Japan 2002 World Cup, reasoned that a new lease of life will revive the Eagles’ recent dwindling fortunes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
He lamented that the team is currently in doubt of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup and blamed their debilitating status on the lackadaisical attitude of many players who currently see themselves as ‘sacred cows’ in the national team.
While also scolding the current set of players for lacking contrite emotions after getting poor results on the pitch, Udeze added that drastic measures, like leaving regulars out of some invitations, are needed to get the team back on track.
Ifeanyi Udeze reasoned further, “I think it’s about time they give other players opportunities in the national team.
“We keep bringing in the same players, with the same slack mentality, and they are not giving their best. We need to give other people the chance to do something different.
“Let’s invite new players who are willing to come in and play. Give them the opportunity as well. Since things are currently not working the way we planned, let’s make the national team open.”
The outspoken ex-international, who grew up in Ajegunle area of Lagos and cut his football teeth with Julius Berger FC, from where he was invited to the Golden Eaglets in 1997, also explained some advantages that inviting new players would bring.
“Let other players come in, so everybody will fight for shirts. Once a regular player is not invited for a game and they win it with new people, that will make the others sit up.
“Anyone who was not invited will feel bad and adjust. That player will be determined to get his invitation back and do better next time.
“These are some of the areas we need to look into and make changes. Everybody has work to do; all men have to wake up,” Udeze posited.