Samson Siasia Explains Why Foreign-Born Super Eagles Stars Won't Play in His Generation
- Super Eagles legend Samson Siasia has opened up about the difference in the team now and during his time
- Siasia was part of the famous class of 1994 that won the Africa Cup of Nations and participated in the World Cup
- He recently served a FIFA five-year ban from football and football-related activities for alleged match fixing
Samson Siasia has opened up about the difference between the Super Eagles team during his time and the current generation, which has more European stars.
Siasia was part of the most successful Super Eagles team, famously dubbed the "Class of 1994," which won the AFCON and qualified Nigeria for its first World Cup appearance.
Source: Getty Images
He had a 12-year stint with the national team and coached teams of different age groups after his retirement, including the Olympic team.
His set was the first group of Nigerian players to play abroad, so most of them were home-based players for most of their time as national team players.
However, the tides have turned, and there are hardly any Nigeria Premier Football League players in the Super Eagles, with most players based in Europe.
The situation over the past decade is that the Nigeria Football Federation is convincing players of Nigerian descent who were born outside the country to play for the team.
Captain William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, and reigning African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman were all born in Europe.
This group also includes players who were born in Nigeria but moved to Europe at an early age and naturalised, such as Alex Iwobi and Bright Osayi-Samuel.
The NFF is still in the process of convincing many others, including Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo and SC Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu, with other youngsters in European academies on the radar.
Siasia speaks about foreign-born players
Siasia, speaking on a podcast with Emmanuel Babayaro, reflects on the path taken by players of his generation and what the Super Eagles is currently made up of.
“The crop of players we had during that era, 1990-1998, were great players that left the shores of Nigeria, went to Europe and came back,” Siasia said on UTV Africa.
“Now we are bringing in players from Europe to come and play for Nigeria - two different things. Kids who were born in Europe or went at an early age, doing well for their clubs, are back to play for the national team.”
Source: Getty Images
“If they had a chance to play for a European country, great players, they wouldn't come. We struggled and made it to Europe, but they were born.”
As noted by Daily Post, Siasia’s conclusion agrees with Mikel Obi's claims, who previously claimed that many choose Africa when they are past their prime and haven't played for their foreign countries.
Mikel slams players of African descent
Legit.ng previously reported that Mikel Obi slammed European players of African roots who see African countries as fallback options later on in their careers.
The Chelsea legend sounded a strong warning to these players to make their decisions early in their careers and stick to whatever side they choose to be on.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
