Era of small teams in African football is over, Disu warns

Former International, Tajudeen Disu has advised the Super Eagles to approach today’s game against Seychelles with all seriousness, saying the country cannot afford to miss out of another African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Speaking with The Guardian yesterday, Disu said the match must be prosecuted with vigour, having in mind that there are no minnows any longer on the continent.“The era of small teams is over in African football. We cannot afford to miss out of next year’s AFCON in Cameroun. This is the time all hands must be on deck for us to achieve the result we desire. It is a match that we must win for Nigeria to have the hope of qualifying, since we missed the last two editions. With the necessary commitment from the players, I believe we can get the result,” he said.

On the invitation of Arsenal FC’s Kelechi Nwakali, who may likely feature in the team’s midfield in the absence of Eagles captain, Mikel Obi, the former captain of the defunct Abiola Babes of Abeokuta said it would be an interesting thing to see players who graduated from junior teams appearing for the senior team.

“Kelechi Nwakali’s inclusion in the team is an interesting one having done well for the nation in the Golden Eaglets, which won the World Cup for the country. It was through the same rank that some of us got invited to the national team, and we never disappointed.

“I will also like to see the invitation of the Nigeria Professional Football League players into the team in subsequent matches. During my days in the Eagles, we had the chance of playing for our country right from our respective clubs in the local league.“I think we can also give the players the same belief so that they too can come into the team and prove their worth. Invitation must not only be extended to these foreign-based players, but also the NPFL players,” he stated. I know by the time they start enjoying playing time, the sky will be their limit,” he stated.