Ukaegbu demands more slots for Home-based Eagles

After their 0-0 draw against Wasps of Rwanda, Eagles coach Keshi singled out Rangers diminutive winger Ejike Ezeonyi for special commendation even as he refused to voice out his disappointment with some of the foreign based players. Speaking to Feverpitch yesterday, Ukaegbu who made a name on the local scene in the colours of Iwuanyanwu […]

After their 0-0 draw against Wasps of Rwanda, Eagles coach Keshi singled out Rangers diminutive winger Ejike Ezeonyi for special commendation even as he refused to voice out his disappointment with some of the foreign based players.

Speaking to Feverpitch yesterday, Ukaegbu who made a name on the local scene in the colours of Iwuanyanwu National, the Flying Eagles and later the Super Eagles said in as much as he is happy with the attention being paid to the local players, the foreign professionals should not be discarded.

He called on Keshi to always invite foreign and local players as he said such combination would always breed a healthy competition for shirts.

Ukaegbu said before now when foreign based players were invited to camp, they believed they would automatically play but now that the local boys are breathing down their necks, they would be more serious.

“I am really happy with what Keshi is doing. Giving more opportunities to the local players will help in so many ways. The home boys have not disappointed so they should be given more opportunities.

“In the past, there wasn’t such competition. Consequently, the foreign players believed they could just walk into the team’s camp and pick jerseys. All that is now history and this is commendable.

“Whenever you put together foreign and local players, you create room for competition. Everybody fights for the shirt. I therefore urge Keshi to continue to invite foreign and local players. Most people may feel the foreign Eagles should be discarded for the local lads but that is not the way to success”, he counseled.