Akwa United star striker Edidiong Ezekiel has clamoured for more home-based players to be given a chance in the Super Eagles.
Ezekiel made this known in an exclusive interview with completesports.com in Uyo, ahead of the Super Eagles 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho on Thursday.
The Eagles team that will take on Lesotho and Zimbabwe is made up mostly of foreign-based players.
Also read: Powered by Dotifi 2026 WCQ: Qualifying For 2026 World Cup Will Be Too Ambitious For Us —Lesotho Coach, Notsi Admits
Goalkeepers Olorunleke Ojo and Amas Obasogie are the only two home-based players in the team.
Obasogie was brought on as a late replacement for Maduka Okoye, who had passport issues.
According to Ezekiel, who was part of the home-based team that lost 2-0 to Costa Rica in a friendly game in November 2022, the local league has top, quality players.
“First, I want to say a big congratulations to the two invitees, it’s a dream for every player to represent his country,” the former U-23 Eagles star began.
Ezekiel with former Arsenal forward Joel Campbell
“Speaking of the home-based players not having much opportunities in the Super Eagles we are anticipating that we all get invited because as players we are hoping to get to the top so I believe my time will come. What I do is I keep pushing giving out my best knowing that my time will come.
“Players in the local league are top players, they are very good players. So what I can say is that this year the league is improving, our games are on TV which is a massive opportunity for me and every player out there to showcase their talent.”
Ezekiel battling with a Costa Rica player in a friendly game
Ezekiel expresses confidence that the NFF and the current coach (Jose Peseiro) of the Super Eagles will continue to look at the home-based players which will open the way for the opportunity to get called up.
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