Super Eagles’ NPFL snub worries Remo Stars Alimi

Remo Stars striker, Sikiru Alimi, who is currently the joint top goal scorer in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), is saddened by coach Jose Peseiro’s decision to snub players in the league in his 41-man provisional Super Eagles list for the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria coach recently released a list of 41 players for a training camp billed to hold in Abu Dhabi ahead of the AFCON.

Alimi thought he would be given a chance to show what he can do for the country after his good form in the NPFL, but Peseiro picked only three home-based goalkeepers in the squad.

He said that home-based players deserve to be given equal opportunities to fight for shirts in the Super Eagles with their overseas-based counterparts.

Remo Stars striker, Sikiru Alimi.
“I am not happy the way NPFL players are being neglected in the Super Eagles. The list of players for the AFCON does not reflect the true state of the Nigerian league, which is not fair,” Alimi said.

READ ALSO: Chelsea, Arsenal suffer Osimhen transfer blow amid new clause

“I might not have what it takes to compete with the current African Footballer of the year, Victor Osimhen, in the Eagles strike force, he is already a big name in Africa and the world. But I am sure there are credible NPFL players that are good enough to fight for shirts with some of the other foreign-based players in the squad.”

“Must NPFL players move abroad to play for a foreign club before they are considered for the national team? Sadly, it feels that is the only way one can get opportunity to be invited and play for the Super Eagles.”

“There is no reward playing in the NPFL, the money is not so good and sometimes it doesn’t come on time. And then the players are not given opportunity in the national team. That is why some home-based players seek to move out of the country no matter what it takes,” he added.