Ex-Nigerian international, Bright Omokaro, has said representing Nigeria in the African Nation’s Cup has become an all comers where benched players in their foreign clubs make it to the Super Eagles team.

He said this was unlike his playing days in the 1970s, when it was tough to adorn the Nigerian jersey.

Mr Omokaro said this in African Nation’s Cup on Thursday, when asked to assess the Super Eagles level of preparedness ahead of Saturday’s Côte D’Ivoire tournament.

The tournament is scheduled to last until February 11.

He said, “It is sad that we have a handful of players who are not first choice players in their respective teams, and they are representing Nigeria at the Nations Cup; this is unfortunate.

“The easiest way to get into the Super Eagles these days is to just play for any foreign club, it could be a third tier division, it doesn’t matter as long as you’re regarded as a foreign player. In my days the likes of John Fasanu know they have to go the extra mile and work extra hard to get into the Super Eagles squad. If you adorn the Nigerian jersey, you have obviously proven yourself to be worthy.’’

Mr Omokaro, a dreadful defender in his playing days, said the exclusion of home-based players was disturbing.

He stated, “I thought we’ve got past this. I don’t know if it’s possible for it to be law in Nigeria that every team should have at least 40 per cent of home-based players.

“By doing so, we are consciously developing our football. I know times have changed but if it worked for our football then, we should consider it.’’

Super Eagles, three-time champions of the tournament: 1980, 1994, and 2013, hope to win the trophy for the fourth time when the tournament kicks off on Saturday.

(NAN)