How Akande's AFCON Snub Could Affect NFF's Hope Of Capturing Nigeria-Eligible Youngsters

NFF President Amaju Pinnick has recorded huge success when it comes to luring Nigeria-eligible players into playing for the Super Eagles since he came on board in 2014.

In fact, the football administrator didn't only lure players into playing for the Super Eagles, he equally ensured that teenagers with Nigeria's blood commit their future to the West African country at U20 and U17 levels.

The Golden Eaglets had two foreign-born youngsters in the shape of Adrian Akande (Chelsea) and Joseph Oluwabusola (Bournemouth) during the recently concluded U17 AFCON tournament in Tanzania but none of them made a single appearance for the team.

Though it is believed that the Chelsea youngster still remains in Garba's plan for the upcoming U17 World Cup tournament in Brazil, the treatment he received from the gaffer could affect Nigeria's chances of getting other Nigeria-eligible players ahead of their country of birth.

Having seen how Adrian, who reportedly turned down England's approach in order to be in Tanzania, was treated by Manu Garba, many youngsters of Nigeria's heritage might feel reluctant to committing their future to the Super Eagles in order to avoid being a bit-part player in the team.

Highly-rated youngster Lateef Omidiji was also dropped from Garba's final squad prior to the tournament, which creating an unimpressive picture of how the country treats foreign-born stars who willingly decide to dump their countries of birth.