AFCON snub shows there’s no reward in NPFL, says Alimi

Sikiru Alimi

Remo Stars FC striker, Sikiru Alimi, who is currently the joint top goal scorer in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is saddened by Coach Jose Peseiro’s decision to snub players in the NPFL in his 41-man provisional list for the forthcoming African Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.

Peseiro recently released a list of 41 players for a training camp billed to hold in Abu Dhabi ahead of the AFCON. Like so many players, who are currently doing well in the NPFL, Alimi thought he would be given a chance to show what he can do for the country at the Nations Cup in Cote d’Ivoire.

That dream was, however, shattered by Peseiro’s decision to pick only three home-based goalkeepers in the squad. As things stand, the goalkeepers could be eventually dropped before the camp opens on January 2 as it seems the coach has already made up his mind on the players to take to Cote d’Ivoire.

Speaking after going through the list on Thursday, Alimi said that home-based players deserve to be given equal opportunities to fight for shirts in the Super Eagles with their overseas-based counterparts.

He said: “I am not happy the way NPFL players are being neglected in the Super Eagles. The list of players for the AFCON does not reflect the true state of the Nigerian league, which is not fair.

“I might not have what it takes to compete with the current African Footballer of the year, Victor Osimhen, in the Eagles strike force… he is already a big name in Africa and the world, but I am sure there are credible NPFL players that are good enough to fight for shirts with some of the other foreign-based players in the squad.

“Must NPFL players move abroad to play for foreign club before they are considered for the national team? Sadly, it