News

AFCON Qualifiers: Why Peseiro named Bameyi and other home-based players ahead of Guinea-Bissau clash – NFF

Nigeria’s Super Eagles, who have defeated Sierra Leone and São Tomé & Principe, are in the first spot in their group with six points

The Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro, has faced criticism for his latest 23-man team selection for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea-Bissau.

The Portuguese coach summoned up Giant Brillars goalkeeper Kingsley Aniagboso from Nigeria’s second tier. Given the plethora of Nigerian players who are thriving in both the local and international stages, the inclusion of Flying Eagles defender Daniel Bameyi on the 23-man roster has still been questioned.

According to ESPN, the former manager of Venezuela had previously routinely selected 25-man teams, the majority of whom were based in Europe. However, a senior member of the NFF board revealed that the trainer was now instructed to call up no more than 20 players from Europe, and the remaining players had to come from the domestic league.

“We cannot afford to invite so many players from Europe any more because we need to be very judicious in our use of the limited funds we have,

“Peseiro can call as many players as he wants, but only 20 can come from abroad. If he needs any more, he should get them from the local league.” Says the board member, as cited by ESPN.

Due to this limitation, the Portuguese named three players from the domestic league, including two goalkeepers and a defender from the under-20 squad.

“The president wants to make sure that the local league players are recognized in the Super Eagles, and this will be one way to help strengthen the league and make it more attractive,” the board member added.

Nonetheless, this is anticipated to be the trend, and future team choices are anticipated to give greater weight to local players.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are anticipated to play their West African neighbour, Guinea-Bissau, at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, later this month as the quest to qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations resumes.

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and an Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a proven track record in conducting interviews with Super Eagles stars such as William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and many others. He has also made a significant impact in breaking transfer news stories. Grounded in video editing, video journalism, social media management, and content strategy, Ayomide brings a wealth of expertise to his work. With a Bachelor's degree in English Language from Adeyemi College of Education and a Master's Degree in School Library and Media Technology from the University of Ibadan, Ayomide is well-prepared to excel in the field.

View Comments

  • This reason is not bad but the issue is that the defender chosen is not the best nor near the best. it is questionable nff.

Share
Published by
Ayomide Oguntimehin

Recent Posts

Everything Chidera Ejuke said about Akor Adams on Sevilla debut

Super Eagles forward Chidera Ejuke has expressed elation at Akor Adams getting his Sevilla debut… Read More

7 hours ago

“We had a deal” – Trabzonspor President reveals Southampton’s shadiness over Onuachu’s transfer

Trabzonspor President, Ertugrul Dogan, has revealed Southampton prevented Super Eagles striker, Paul Onuachu, from moving… Read More

8 hours ago

Southampton boss lauds Super Eagles goalscoring duo after Ipswich victory

Southampton's head coach, Ivan Juric, praised Nigerian duo, Joe Ayodele-Aribo and Paul Onuachu after their… Read More

9 hours ago

Southampton’s Aribo ready to fight for top-flight status following goal against Ipswich Town

Super Eagles and Southampton midfielder, Joe Ayodele-Aribo has revealed his side plan to give everything… Read More

9 hours ago

Report: Carrick’s Middlesbrough nears signing of Super Eagles star

EFL Championship side Middlesbrough are reportedly closing in on the signature of Super Eagles attacker… Read More

17 hours ago