Former Nigerian international Duke Udi has urged Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle to select players strictly based on merit and current form.
He made the call ahead of Nigeria’s participation in the Unity Cup in London, featuring teams such as India, Zimbabwe, and Jamaica.
The tournament will see semi-final matches played on May 26 and 27, with the final and third-place fixtures scheduled for May 30.
Speaking in an interview with Brila FM, Udi said Nigeria should emulate countries like Senegal and England, where national team selections are driven by players’ performances at club level.
“We need to learn from the English and Senegalese national teams. With all due respect to Nigeria, how do they pick their players?” he said.
“Sometimes when you do things your own way and it’s not working, you have to look at those doing it better and learn from them.
“If you look at the Senegal national team, they pick players based on merit and who is in form. You must prove yourself to get called up.
“Every Nigerian who wants to play for the Super Eagles should be chosen on merit, not based on where he comes from or who he represents.
“Once you are qualified, good enough, and performing well at your club, then you are entitled to play for the national team.”
