Want to See Home-Based Players in the Super Eagles? Fix the League First – Iloenyosi

Chairman of the Anambra State Football Association, Chikelue Iloenyosi, has weighed in on the growing calls for home-based players to be considered for Super Eagles selection, but insists the Nigerian domestic league must first rise to a higher standard.

Speaking in the final installment of an exclusive three-part interview with Sports247, the former Super Eagles defender, popularly known as “General,” didn’t mince words about the current state of Nigerian football. He said that the quality of the league must be improved if local players are to stand a real chance of competing at the highest level.

“For home-based players to earn call-ups to the Super Eagles, the league has to be strong,” Iloenyosi stated. “You need a solid league structure to consistently produce players worthy of national team invitations.”

Iloenyosi also expressed concerns over the decline of youth football tournaments like the iconic Manuwa-Adebajo Cup, and criticized the growing trend of recommending players for national duty based on influence rather than merit.

However, he acknowledged some recent positive steps, notably praising Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle for giving opportunities to domestic talents. “I love what the coach did recently by including home-based players for the Unity Cup in London. That was a strong signal that our league is heading in the right direction,” he noted. “It gave me joy because I’ve long advocated for home-grown talents to be given a chance.”

The Anambra FA boss, who has received support from key corporate figures, sports administrators, and politicians in driving grassroots development across the state, reaffirmed his commitment to youth football. He also spoke passionately about steering young people away from social vices through football, his philanthropic efforts, and the need to create long-term developmental structures in Nigerian football.