It's just been announced that the NFF is looking at establishing a scouting unit for monitoring of Nigerian players in Europe and other parts of the world.
In my opinion this is a laudable step, but does not go far enough.
But first, let there be no misunderstanding. The popular, but misguided argument against this move has always been that Nigeria is better off focusing on developing its local talent than looking at players whose loyalty might be in question. Some have argued, with some merit, that many of the players in this category only seriously consider Nigeria after other options might have failed.
But be that as it may, the reality is that the nature of citizenship has changed. The effect of global migration of Nigerians is the full and irrevocable emergence of a generation of professionals in different works of life, including football, with Nigerian parentage and thus of dual nationality.
This is the reality that nobody can wish away. The question is therefore not one of if, but how we should embrace it and how best to use this resource to advance Nigerian football.
The oft argued need to focus instead on developing local talent is in reality a non starter. These are clearly two separate issues, neither are they mutually exclusive. They can therefore not only coexist, but mutually reinforce one another. Irrespective of how rich a talent pool lies in the diaspora, Nigeria needs to develop her local talents. That is the only long term sustainable solution to the development of Nigerian football.
The NFF needs to establish guidelines on when and how to engage with footballers of Nigerian parentage in the diaspora.
At what point should contact be initiated: at the youth/academy level, or at the U-20 level?
If initiated at the youth/academy level, how best can such contact be sustained?
To what extent should we involve such players at the U-17 level?
The key to the entire process is the need to understand that what is required is not simply scouting. Scouting is the first step in what is a process. What should follow next is recruitment.
But lets be clear; recruitment is not to be confused with 'begging'. Nigeria and indeed no national team should have to beg anybody to wear its colors. That is a recipe for disaster!
Dual nationality players have options which country to play for, hence the word 'dual'! The role of recruitment is thus to present the option of an international career with the Super Eagles.
Having presented the option of an international career with Nigeria, players then need to be left alone to make their decision, but with regular monitoring. If the option becomes available, they can be exposed to the Nigerian youth teams setup, even if they are not selected.
FIFA rules mean they do not have to make a definitive decision until they are in their twenties. What is critical is to use the time available to build a relationship between such players and the national team.
Having presented the option of an international career with Nigeria, players then need to be left alone to make their decision, but with regular monitoring. If the option becomes available, they can be exposed to the Nigerian youth teams setup, even if they are not selected.
FIFA rules mean they do not have to make a definitive decision until they are in their twenties. What is critical is to use the time available to build a relationship between such players and the national team.
Therefore in implementing this policy, the NFF needs to understand the distinction between scouting and recruitment.
The recruitment process is best handled by high profile former Super Eagles players such as Jay Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Sunny Oliseh, Fashanu, etc.
In my opinion, the process should begin at the youth/academy level, but should not involve use of such players in the U-17 team, except in exceptional cases.
The scouting of U-20 and senior players must be conducted in collaboration with national team coaches, so as to avoid conflicts.
On the whole this is a welcome development and one that has been long in coming.
There a whole host of young talents of Nigerian parentage in top teams in Europe. They include Kenneth Otigba at Herenveen, Tiago Ilori and Jordan Ibe at Liverpool, Chuba Akpom at Arsenal, Godswill Ekpolo at Barcelona, and Derik Osiede at Real Madrid, to mention a few.
These players, should they become available, will not solve all Nigeria's problems in football. But they will certainly expand the options available to national team selectors, which in turn should make the Super Eagles better.
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