Former Super Eagles defender, Kenneth Omeruo has issued a strong and candid rebuke of the mentality displayed by several home-based players invited to the national team, accusing them of lacking the hunger and competitive drive required at international level.
The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner, speaking ahead of next month’s tournament in Morocco, argued that many players from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) arrive in camp treating national team invitations as résumé enhancers rather than opportunities to earn a starting berth.
‘They Don’t Compete’ – Omeruo Frustrated
Omeruo did not mince words as he described a worrying trend he believes has weakened competition within the squad.
“Most of the players who come to the national team from the local leagues now, they just come to complete the team, to train. They don’t compete,” he said.
He stressed that national team call-ups should be treated with ambition, not complacency.
“You have to come into the national team with the confidence that you want to be selected in games, not just coming to say, ‘Okay, I just came to complete the team, get the experience, and move on.’”
The former Chelsea centre-back, who has earned over 60 caps for Nigeria, insisted that representing the Super Eagles is a responsibility that demands intensity, discipline, and a genuine push for inclusion in the starting eleven.
Unity Cup Example: ‘Some Players Only Wanted Visibility’
Omeruo further revealed that several home-based invitees viewed their national team appearance not as a competitive opportunity but as a stepping stone to foreign contracts.
“A few even went to the Unity Cup in London, and after that tournament, they went on to sign for clubs overseas,” he added.
This has been a longstanding debate about whether NPFL players are adequately motivated, prepared, or competitive enough to challenge Europe-based stars in the national setup.
Impact on Squad Selection for AFCON
With AFCON around the corner, Omeruo believes this attitude problem could limit the chances of home-based players making the final squad list under head coach Eric Chelle.
Many Nigerians have long advocated for a fairer balance between local talents and European professionals, but Omeruo fears that lack of competitiveness from NPFL invitees makes selection decisions straightforward for the coaching crew.
He warned that unless mentality and intensity change quickly, domestic players will continue losing ground to their Europe-based counterparts when squads are being assembled
