Good enough for the Eagles

By Ifeanyi Ibeh

February 14, 2010

Years ago, before Nigerian players opted for overseas based club sides, the national team consisted entirely of footballers selected from Nigerian clubs. The reverse is however the case these days as no footballer plying his trade in the domestic league is considered good enough to play for the Super Eagles.

However, Nigerian clubs continue to impress against the best in the continent's tournaments and below are a few of the best the Nigerian league has to offer:

Austin Brown, Heartland

Vincent Enyeama is Nigeria's undisputed first-choice goalkeeper but it is glaring that he needs more competition if he is to retain his razor-sharp reflexes ahead of the World Cup and future international tournaments. That competition could be provided by Brown who continues to prove daily that great goalkeepers still abound within Nigeria.

Chibuzor Okonkwo, Bayelsa

Okonkwo started as a central midfielder but he is renowned these days as a right or left-sided defender. He continues to impress in defense and with his uncompromising tackles and high work rate, as well as his penchant for scoring the odd goal every now and then, who says he can't break into the Super Eagles?

John Nnam, Rangers

Watching Nnam rove down the right flank before delivering a cross can be likened to going back in time and watching Finidi George all over again. But he isn't your typical right-sided midfielder as he started out as a wingback and has also been tried out in the centre of the defence.

Thankgod Ike, Heartland

A central defender can't afford to take any prisoners. He has to be big, strong, brave, determined, with a good positional sense and intelligence to go with it, not forgetting the ability to tackle and mark an opponent. And that exactly fits the description of Ike who most strikers in the league want in their team as they don't want to be on the receiving end of his tackles.

Emmanuel Owolo, Heartland

While Ike does all the dirty work, Owolo is on hand to clean up in case there are any slips. But don't get carried away with his gentle looks as he is as ruthless in the art of defending as a Spartan is in the art of war.

Jonah Abutu, Dolphins

With the departure of the highly versatile Obiora Okonkwo for Europe only a few defensive midfielders have been as impressive as Abutu in the domestic league. He is big, hard to dispossess of the ball and can close down opponents all over the pitch and still have enough energy to dish out tackles and cover up for his team mates.

Ikechukwu Ibenegbu, Heartland

This skilful attacking midfielder is so good with the ball at his feet that it's hard to fathom why he still plays in the domestic league especially after showing just how good he really is at last year's CAF Champions League. Was called to the Super Eagles camp prior to the Nations Cup but we all know how that story played out.

Stanley Okoro, Heartland

There's no need waiting a few more years for "Little Messi" to blossom as he already has what it takes to compete with the big boys as exemplified by his performances in the Champions League matches he played for Heartland last year prior to the U-17 World Cup.

Richard Eromoigbe, Warri Wolves

Recently returned from Europe where he had spent the last couple of years, Eromoigbe is just about the highest profile player in the domestic league. And he hasn't lost his combativeness and high work rate and continues to show why Berti Vogts took him to the 2008 Nations Cup in Ghana.

Josiah Maduabuchi, Enyimba

Slotting in right behind the strikers at Enyimba, the former winger has been utilized to devastating effect running at opposing defenders and dishing out passes to the men ahead of him. And if the strikers are having a bad day Maduabuchi is not afraid to take on the opposition on his own.

Ibrahim Babale, Sunshine Stars

Undoubtedly the most consistent striker in the domestic league for some time now, Babale has shrugged off a career threatening broken leg and has started banging in the goals yet again. Can hold up play and bring his teammates into the fray and can be relied upon to hit double figures at the end of the season.

Victor Namo, Kano Pillars

If Namo is on song then expect opponents of Kano Pillars to have a bad day because he doesn't waste chances that come his way. His movement off the ball is a delight to watch and he often goes for precision rather than power when shooting at goal.


Others: Osas Idehen, Bassey Akpan, Mutiu Adegoke, Abdul Ajagun, Osanga King, Junior Osagie, Emmanuel Omodiagbe.