'If you can do that' - Nigeria coach Finidi reveals two conditions for inviting players to the Super Eagles 

New Nigeria manager Finidi George faced the cameras on Monday during his unveiling ceremony in Abuja and one of the topics he touched on was the criteria he plans to use to select players for the Super Eagles. 

The Ajax Amsterdam legend emphasized the importance of playing consistently at club level and unwavering dedication as prerequisites for national team consideration.

Previously, there were controversies surrounding player selections for the Super Eagles as some benchwarmers managed to secure spots in the squad, much to the disappointment of both fans and pundits.

The Super Eagles, filled with stars playing in top five European leagues such as Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon, have not been consistent in recent years simply because of lack of commitment. 

The three-time African champions were beaten at home in competitive matches by Central African Republic and Guinea Bissau, and started their 2026 World cup qualifiers on the wrong foot after disappointing draws with lowly-ranked nations Lesotho and Zimbabwe. 

Speaking to reporters, Finidi stated: "Selection of players? You have to be playing in your club and you must have that commitment. 

"We all said the pledge and for me as a coach that's what I'm going to do. 

"For me Nigeria is first because I have been out of this country and I know the treatment we get outside of this country.

"I put Nigeria first and that is the same commitment and loyalty from each and every player that is invited. If yu can do that, you are good to go."

Finidi picked just one home based player, Olorunleke Ojo in his squad list for the internationals in March against Ghana and Mali.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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