Former Tremendous Eagles worldwide Friday Ekpo has urged nationwide crew handlers to broaden the participant pool by mixing home-based skills with foreign-based professionals, arguing that such a mix would create extra aggressive choices and tackle problems with match health and alternative amongst abroad gamers.
Ekpo stated many expatriate gamers battle for recreation time at their golf equipment, whereas home-based performers who’re excelling domestically typically stay neglected.
“Many abroad gamers battle for recreation time, whereas home-based gamers performing properly domestically deserve alternatives,” Ekpo stated, calling for a extra inclusive choice coverage that rewards kind and readiness quite than geography alone.
He harassed that correctly coached native gamers could be honed into reliable belongings for the nationwide crew, drawing parallels with previous generations when home league stars efficiently transitioned to worldwide obligation.
Ekpo argued that tactical flexibility and squad depth are enhanced when selectors contemplate a wider expertise base.
“A blended squad offers you completely different profiles: foreign-based gamers deliver expertise from excessive ranges, whereas home-based gamers deliver sharpness from common home motion,” he stated, suggesting that the mixture might enhance competitors for locations and push requirements up throughout the board.
He additional advisable funding in teaching, scouting and publicity for native skills in order that the transition to worldwide soccer is smoother.
“With correct teaching and growth, native gamers could be molded into belongings for the Tremendous Eagles identical to previous generations,” Ekpo stated, underlining the significance of technical mentorship, psychological help and focused match experiences.
Ekpo additionally famous the morale and motivational benefits of rewarding home excellence. “When native gamers see a pathway to the nationwide crew, it drives efficiency within the league and strengthens the soccer pyramid,” he stated, urging nationwide handlers to construct bridges with membership coaches and state federations to watch rising skills.
His feedback come at a juncture when nationwide crew choice stays a sizzling subject amongst followers and pundits. Ekpo’s name for a blended method is framed as pragmatic and developmental: it seeks to optimise accessible human sources whereas selling equity and native soccer development.
