Shehu Dikko has given reasons why the Nigeria Football Federation is against the idea of inviting eligible Super Eagles players to the camp of Nigeria under 23 team that will represent the country at the Japan 2020 Olympics.
The Olympic soccer rule allows three over-aged players to be included in the list of all participating teams at the Games.
“When you look at our national team now, we have players who are within the age bracket for the Olympic team. However, calling them to the team will hamper the chances of discovering other talented players who are not yet in the Super Eagles,” the Vice-President of the Nigeria Football Federation said.
“There are so many Nigerian players in Europe who are good enough for the U-23s even in the Nigeria Professional Football League, so we will rather encourage the coaches to field them than have players drop from the Super Eagles to play for the U-23s. Although we will leave room for some exceptions,” Dikko stressed.
Super Eagles first choice goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho, has been ruled out of the team even though he is still within the age limit.
Samuel Chukwueze will also be a part of the team just like Victor Osimhen but the NFF is insisting on having more players who are yet to be called up to the Super Eagles to make up the squad for the Nigeria national under-23 football team ahead of their engagements in 2019.
The Nigeria Olympic football team will start its preparation early next year under Super Eagles Coach Salisu Yusuf who is still serving a year ban from the NFF.
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 years ago
