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The Super Eagles is one of the most successful national teams in Africa. In 2023, this team reached the AFCON finals, which was a fantastic feat.
Sadly, it lost the top position to Ivory Coast in a breathtaking battle that ended 2-1. That aside, diaspora players have played a significant role in enabling Nigeria’s national team to become the force it is today.
In a nutshell, diaspora players are Nigerian footballers who were born or raised in other countries. However, they are of Nigerian descent and are therefore eligible to represent the national team. They are one of the reasons why Nigerians never lack the confidence to support and wager on their national team via platforms like old bet9ja mobile. Here’s what they always bring to the table:
Enhanced Skills and Knowledge
Some Nigerian diaspora players were brought up in Western countries. A good example is Alex Iwobi, who was born in Nigeria but was raised in Newham, London. Such players had the opportunity to learn and develop their skills with acknowledged academies like the Arsenal Academy, which signed Iwobi at an early age.
Such academies are dedicated to building their members’ technical skills. Consequently, Nigerian footballers who’ve had the privilege of signing up with them bring formidable spatial awareness, passing accuracy, and ball control skills to the Super Eagles team. Their refined capabilities improve the national team’s quality of play significantly.
Increased Competition for Top Spots
Not all Super Eagles players are lucky enough to snatch the starting positions during crucial matches. And rightly so, since the team can only put out 11 players at a go. The rest of the team has to sit on the bench and wait for their opportunity if it ever manifests. Since starting spots are coveted, football players do their best to earn them.
The presence of formidable diaspora players forces other members of the Super Eagles team to work harder to compete for starting spots. This is a good thing since it encourages local and foreign-based players to enhance their performance and do their best at every match.
International Exposure and Confidence
Many diaspora players in the Super Eagles squad also actively play in major leagues like the Champions League, Bundesliga, and Serie A. These individuals bring a wealth of experience gained through international exposure.
They have well-honed skills and adaptable play styles, which help them perform excellently in high-pressure international competitions with the Super Eagles.
Moreover, the presence of skilled foreign-based players boosts the confidence and morale of the other Super Eagles players. Confident, inspired footballers tend to perform better, take every opportunity, and handle setbacks better than their counterparts.
Leadership and Mentorship
The most skilled and successful diaspora players often fill crucial leadership roles in the Super Eagles team. Take William Troost-Ekong as an example. The footballer, raised in the Netherlands, has played for many clubs, including Bursaspor, KAA Agent, and Watford. His experience and performance have made him the captain of the Super Eagles. Under his captainship, the Nigerian national team has achieved a lot, including reaching the AFCON 2023 finals.
In addition to filling leadership positions, diaspora players also mentor homegrown footballers. They act as role models who show other players what they need to do to succeed on and off the pitch.
Conclusion
From Alex Iwobi to William Troost-Ekong, many diaspora Nigerian footballers have helped the Super Eagles rise to the top. Their skills and capabilities always come in handy in crucial matches and competitions.
Plus, they often encourage domestic players to do better and become the best versions of themselves. Other players and millions of Super Eagles fans in Nigeria and other global regions will always value their impact on the national team.
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