Rise of Foreign-Born Stars: Blessing or curse for Nigerian football?

Nigeria has always been blessed with homegrown talents who have gone on to achieve great things in football.

In 1985, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles became the first team from Africa to win a medal at a FIFA tournament when they placed third at the U-20 men’s World Cup in the former Soviet Union.

Some of the notable names in the Flying Eagles squad include Alloy Agu, Andrew Uwe, Monday Odiaka, Samson Siasia, Wasiu Ipaye, and Waidi Akanni.

Also in 1985, the Golden Eaglets made history as the first-ever African country to win a FIFA-organised tournament by lifting the U-16 World Cup in China.

On parade for the Golden Eaglets were skipper of the side Nduka Ugbade, Jonathan Akpoborie, Victor Igbinoba, Imama Amapakabo, Sani Adamu, and Lucky Agbonsevbafe, among others.

Years later, the likes of Daniel Amokachi, Austin Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Sunday Oliseh, Emmanuel Amuneke, Finidi George, Tijani Babangida, Victor Ikpeba, Taribo West, Okechukwu Uche, Mutiu Adepoju, and, of course, the late Rashidi Yekini emerged.

This bunch of talented Nigerian players were so good that some of them went on to be crowned African Player of the Year. These players include Yekini, Amuneke, Ikpeba, and Kanu.

Before the emergence of these greats, the likes of Segun Odegbami, Christian Chukwu, Adokiyie Amasiemaka, Emmanuel Okala, the late Muda Lawal, Felix Owolabi, Alloysious Atuegbu, and the late Best Ogedengbe wrote their names in the history books.

Just like the men’s team, the Super Falcons were blessed with talented homegrown players who brought honour and glory to the country.

The success of the Falcons is never complete without mentioning the contribution of the likes of Mercy Akide, Florence Omagbemi, Nkiru Okosieme, Patience Avre, Cynthia Uwak, Perpetual