2021 AFCON Qualifier: Promoting Players From Lower Cadre Catalyst To Improving Eagles - Olumide Osoba

2021 AFCON Qualifier: Promoting Players From Lower Cadre Catalyst To Improving Eagles - Chairman, House Committee on Sports

By Ijeoma Okigbo

Olumide Osoba, Chairman, House Committee on Sports said promoting players from the lower cadre is catalyst to improving the team.

Osoba said this following Super Eagles 2-1 victory over the Squirrels of Benin Republic in Uyo in the 2021 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers on Wednesday.

Eagles who were trailing 1-0 earlier needed goals from Victor Osimhen and Samuel Kalu to place Nigeria top in group L with three points.

On the performance of young players like Victor Osimhen, Samuel Kalu and Samuel Chukwueze as well as finding a replacement for retired striker Odion Ighalo, Osoba was optimistic that the young lads in the team would fill the void.

The lawmaker also lauded Eagles manager Genort Rohr for equipping the squad with players who had featured in age grade competitions for the country.

“As you can see, he is inviting players from the lower cadre and that is the way to go.

“Most countries move their players from age grade competitions to the national team and I think that is what the coach is trying to do now which makes a lot of sense and that is what happens anywhere in the world.

“Germany won the 2017 Confederation Cup with majority of her players moved from the age grade level to the senior team.

“In the end, this is to foster unity, good type of play and more,” Osoba said.

He also praised the team for winning, in spite of trailing 1-0 earlier.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s opponents Lesotho and Sierra Leone finished a one all draw and rests on second and third on the log, with Benin in bottom place.