Malawi FA Interest In Nigeria Striker Attracts Criticism

Malawi FA Interest In Nigeria Striker Attracts Criticism

By Oluwayemi Omolagba

Recently, the Football Association of Malawi have shown interest in acquire a Nigerian citizen Babatunde Adepoju as their player, this action have now attracted criticism among football pundits, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The player plying his trades in the Zambian League first started with defunct Masters Security and then joined Mighty Wanderers before making a dramatic move to Nyasa Big Bullets last season.

Renowned lawyer and former Mighty Wanderers general secretary, David Kanyenda, said it was ridiculous for the Malawi FA to pursue the Nigerian at the expense of grooming local players.

"I totally oppose the idea of naturalizing foreigners for purpose of playing for the Flames. Its a big NO for me! I want to win with Malawian players who have at least a biological connection with the country," he wrote on Facebook.

"I would rather lose with Malawian players than win with foreigners masquerading as locals. I don't want Babatunde anywhere near my Flames. Spear us that indignity please. Of course the FA should not even be approaching Baba at all, he specifically added.

Former Flames prolific striker Esau Kanyenda also said FAM should develop youngsters rather than vying for naturalised citizens.

Also commenting on the matter is an analyst with the name Gersom Elson Mpika who questioned the move saying: "For the fact that our FA denied Khama Biliat former Zimbabwe players to play for the Flames who was half Malawian, then why should we allow someone who is 100 percent-non Malawian."