Former national team coach James Peters has warned that while Nigeria’s push to recruit foreign-born players is beneficial, the country must not neglect the development of local talents.
Speaking on the growing diaspora recruitment initiative, Peters acknowledged that bringing in players born abroad could strengthen the national team.
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“It’s a good idea,” he said.
However, the former coach stressed that relying too heavily on overseas-based talents could hurt the long-term development of Nigerian football.
“It is not developmental,” he implied.
According to Peters, players nurtured within Nigeria should remain the foundation of the national team, with diaspora talents serving only as additions to strengthen specific areas.
“Home talents should form the core,” he noted.
He warned that ignoring local players would damage grassroots football and reduce opportunities for young talents within the country.
“We cannot abandon our own system,” he added.
For Peters, the key lies in balance—creating a structure where both locally developed and foreign-born players coexist effectively.
“We need both sides,” he stressed.
The former coach also emphasized the importance of investing in domestic football structures to improve the quality of players coming through the ranks.
“Development must continue,” he said.
As Nigeria continues to expand its talent pool globally, debates over local versus diaspora representation remain active.
For Peters, the message is clear.
Recruit wisely.
Develop locally.
And maintain balance.
Because a strong national team is built not just on imported talent—but on a healthy football system at home.
