Former Nigeria youth international Loveday Omoruyi has advised new Flying Eagles coach Abdu Maikaba to maintain a proper balance between foreign-based and home-based players while building Nigeria’s U-20 squad.
Speaking on the future of the Flying Eagles, Omoruyi warned against automatically favouring diaspora players simply because they are attached to major European clubs.
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“Playing abroad should not guarantee automatic invitations,” Omoruyi said.
According to the former Nigerian youth star, there are still many talented players within the domestic scene capable of competing with their foreign-based counterparts.
“Some home-based players can even be better,” he implied.
Omoruyi stressed that Nigeria’s football history proves local development can still produce elite-level players.
“Most of our legends were developed at home,” he noted.
The former player also highlighted the importance of working with players who are more consistently available for national team activities.
“Availability and commitment are important too,” he added.
Nigeria’s youth football system continues facing debates surrounding the balance between diaspora recruitment and local talent development.
“It’s one of the biggest conversations in Nigerian football right now,” many football observers believe.
Omoruyi remains convinced that greater trust in domestic football structures will benefit the country long-term.
“Nigeria must continue believing in local talent,” he stressed.
For the former Flying Eagles player, the message is clear.
Foreign clubs should not determine player quality.
Home-based talents deserve equal opportunities.
And balance is necessary when building national teams.
Because successful football nations combine local development with international exposure wisely.
