Christian Chukwu Blasts State of Super Eagles, Calls for Local Talent Development
Legendary Nigerian footballer and former Super Eagles captain, Christian Chukwu, has issued a scathing critique of the national team’s current state, claiming that Nigeria “doesn’t have a national team now.” He attributed this to the lack of opportunities for home-based players and the absence of a permanent coach residing in the country.
Chukwu expressed his strong opinions on Channels Television’s “Channels Sports Sunday” program. He argued that the current coach, Jose Peseiro, should be based in Nigeria to discover and develop local talents instead of visiting for matches and then leaving.
“Our coach should come and stay with us in Nigeria,” Chukwu stated. “We have a lot of talents in Nigeria, in our local league. We don’t have a team when we don’t camp and train them and forget about ‘we have a match,’ we come on Thursday, they train on Friday, they play on Saturday and they disperse again.”
Chukwu Emphasizes Untapped Potential of Home-based Players
He believes that home-based players, who lack opportunities to play abroad, possess untapped potential. He argues that Peseiro should discover and train them, allowing them to showcase their skills on the international stage.
“We have players who are very good, better than the foreign-based players but they don’t have the opportunity,” Chukwu declared. “Let’s come back home, all those playing overseas are good players. They have the opportunities, we have those players back home who are equally good but they don’t have that opportunity to go abroad and play.”
Calls for Collaboration and Home-based Integration
Chukwu, who also coached the Super Eagles from 2003 to 2006, expressed his desire to work with Peseiro and contribute to the team’s development. He reiterated the importance of integrating home-based players alongside foreign-based talents.
“You have to come home and discover them and train them,” Chukwu emphasized. “I am not saying they should not be mixed with the foreign-based. Invite the foreign-based but give the home-based opportunity. They are the ones you can use to get anything you want to get.”
Peseiro’s Recent Challenges and Future Uncertainties
Despite securing qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, Peseiro has faced criticism due to the Super Eagles’ recent poor form. He was recently reported to have demanded outstanding allowances from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and challenged the Technical Committee not to “teach him his job.”
The future of Peseiro as the Super Eagles coach remains uncertain, and Chukwu’s comments add to the growing discussion around the team’s direction and the need for substantial change.