A popular member of the Federal House of Representatives has hinted he wants to raise a motion that will compel Super Eagles manager to include at least two players of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) in Nigeria’s squad at international competitions.
Honourable Akin Alabi has revealed he would love to propose a bill in the house that includes quota system in Super Eagles squad for international competitions.
According to the Ibadan lawmaker, he hinted the bill would ensure NPFL players are equally represented in Nigeria’s national team for major tournaments.
A motion to mandate the NFF and the Super Eagles coach to include at least two Nigeria based players in every squad we take to international football competitions. Is it good for our football? Should we push this or not?
— Oloye Akin Alabi (@akinalabi) March 2, 2020
Akin Alabi asked his followers if it’s a good idea to raise the motion at the house before explaining why it’s a good idea in a thread.
Although I’m not really into this idea but in my usual style, I threw it open for discussion. I just want us to remember something, sometimes you DELIBERATELY push local content. #THREAD https://t.co/1ocYby1hYr
— Oloye Akin Alabi (@akinalabi) March 3, 2020
However, fans were having none of it, with many saying the Government should focus on developing the league.
According to a lot of them, introducing a quota system would not make the NPFL a better league, rather the Government should focus on other ways to improve it.
This idea is so bad that using the word bad does not do justice to it, Akin you know football deep enough to understand that what or where the legislation should focus on, is how to make the league as professional as possible. We also need an up to date coaching institute…
— EDAFE MATTHEW ESEOGHENE (@ELEGBETE1) March 3, 2020
The senior national team is the highest level of football in a country.
Implementating a quota system will not fix rot that goes all the way down.
Assessing the problem and finding a medium to long term solution that works for our clime is what will fix the problem— Colin NOT Collins (@ColinUdoh) March 2, 2020
Once there is value in the league, you won't need a law to force a coach… I mean, which law did you make that is making him search for players outside? Look for why he is searching for players and do it to the domestic league, and you won't need a law.
— Das Duwem (@D_WarEagle) March 2, 2020
All the home-based players are looking for the best available ticket outside the country, nobody talks about Stephen Odey anymore, why? He has left NPFL – he isn't a Nigerian anymore. Abeg, make una leave law fix league, that is more important! We want a vibrant league.
— Das Duwem (@D_WarEagle) March 2, 2020
The league doesn't depend on the Super Eagles, it's the national team that depends on the league. So, fix the league and watch how it will be easy to pick home-based players. Una dey always believe say everything na force!!
— Das Duwem (@D_WarEagle) March 2, 2020
https://twitter.com/Olaoluw39017217/status/1234572591748308992
Nigeria's depth.
We are stacked but dimwits want to market their players in the name of npfl quota system. It won't be well with dishonest people. pic.twitter.com/rLdsmnbOSP
— jezz (@jeremy_liit) March 3, 2020
For someone who has a football club, have sponsored one of the biggest football team in the country before, supports one of the biggest team in the world, to think quota system is something that should exist in football (professional sport) is really worrying.
I am really angry.
— O. Alonso (@chemikawale) March 3, 2020
It should also be recalled that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) included three clauses in the new contract offer handed to Super Eagles manager, Gernot Rohr. One of the clauses, include, ensuring NPFL representation in his Super Eagles team.