Siasia Urged To Consider Grassroots Players

Super Eagles Coach, Samson Siasia has been urged to look beyond the Nigeria Premier league as he begins his job of building a new national team.

Siasia, a former coach of the country’s Olympic team was unveiled on Wednesday by the Nigeria Football federation (NFF) after signing a four-year contract.

The new coach, who was dubbed the “people’s choice,” by NFF President, Aminu Maigari has already indicated interest to build his team around local players.

But a cross-section of grassroots players interviewed by Tidesports yesterday at an evening training session at the St. Andrews State School, Diobu said the coach should really go down to the grassroots if he is to succeed.

According to Mpaks Esemebor, who had had stinks with Dolphins FC and Bussdor United FC, “A lot of talented soccer player, are not currently playing in the Nigeria league because they do not have what he called “connection” to get contracts.

These players, Esemebor, said have limited their skills to participating in local championships and other invitational tournaments within and outside the country.

“Therefore, I disagree that the best of Nigerian players are in the premier league or pro-league. What about the academies and other amateur clubs. So the new coach should set up a team that would monitor local championships at the grassroots, so that people like us who are unattached can have a chance to play in the National team,” he said.

On his part, Isah Mohammed who is currently, a player with Hausa Allstars in Port Harcourt said, even though players at the grassroots should not be taken straight to the national team, the country’s football authorities should design a league that would cater for them.

“At least, an amateur league like is being done in Europe should be put in place, so that players can graduate from one stage to the other. By doing this, we are giving all players a sense of belonging and a chance to aspire to greater heights”.

Another player, who thrilled spectators during the training   session, Chukwudi Nelson, commended the appointment of Siasia whom he said believes in youthful players.

“From what, he has done with the U-20 and Olympic teams, I know he can perform wonders with the national team and I believe if I am giving the chance to prove myself, I will do well,” he said.

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