Lobi Stars manager Gbenga Ogunbote has urged Gernot Rohr to introduce more NPFL players in the Super Eagles, saying they deserve equal treatment.
Rohr has been criticized in recent times for his reluctant to increase the number of home-based players in the national team, with Katsina United goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa, the only consistent player in his team.
The German tactician had previously defended his decision, stating the best of Nigerian players are in Europe but Ogunbote feels the NPFL stars deserved a chance to prove their worth.
“If they say the league can’t produce top-class players for the national team, we have to first deal with the segregation,” Ogunbote told the Punch .
“That is very important because every coach knows what works for him. We have done it before, and we had results. What you need to do is to give them a room to express themselves, create room for doubt but make sure they get equal opportunities like the overseas-based players.
“We need to tackle the segregation. The moment a player leaves the country, he gets invited to the national team. Did he travel without playing in the league?
“He started from the league before going to Europe and we’re not talking about three or six months in the league. The thing is, we are underestimating the value of home-based players; give them consideration and then you can make your judgment.
“And more importantly, they deserve equal treatment and respect you give to overseas-based players.”