Former Nigeria goalkeeper Akpan Bassey has called on the Super Eagles to use upcoming high-profile friendlies against Poland national football team and Portugal national football team as an opportunity to expand the player pool.
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Speaking on the importance of the fixtures, Bassey emphasized that such matches provide a rare chance to test new players against top-level opposition.
“These games are important,” he said.
According to him, the national team should not only focus on established stars but also give opportunities to lesser-known players, both from the domestic league and abroad.
“We must look at new options,” he implied.
Bassey stressed that exposing new talents to high-intensity matches will help the coaching staff better evaluate their abilities.
“It’s the best test,” he noted.
He also highlighted the importance of competition within the squad, suggesting that a wider pool of players will push everyone to perform at a higher level.
“Competition improves quality,” he added.
For the former goalkeeper, building a strong team requires depth, and these friendlies present the perfect environment to achieve that.
“We need depth,” he stressed.
As Nigeria prepares for future competitions, decisions made during these games could shape the team’s direction.
For Bassey, the message is clear.
Experiment wisely.
Expand the squad.
And strengthen the team.
Because in football, depth is just as important as talent—and the Super Eagles must build both.
