Ex Ajax Amsterdam hero now Taraba United Chairman Tijani Babangida has thrown his weight behind Nigeria gaffer Stephen Keshi over his non-invitation of England based trio - Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Peter Odemwingie and John Obi Mikel - when he named his foreign professionals for Nigeria's Grade A games in June.

Speaking in a chat with allnigeriasoccer.com, Tijani Babangida said: ''Keshi is doing a good job, and I must commend him. I believe the new players he handed call ups to prosecute the games in June are the players he wants to use more often in future matches.''

Adds Babangida: '' On Keshi's non-invitation of Yakubu, Mikel and Odemwingie, the coach knows the players and their abilities. But he wants to give a chance to the other players doing well in their various leagues. When the time comes, Keshi is going to invite players strictly on merit.''

In the national teams Keshi had previously handled, he is well known for giving local players a chance to compete with the foreign professionals.

''With this kind of methods Keshi is employing, all our local players now have a sense of belonging, and their confidence is beginning to improve. We should give Keshi time, I think he will build the dream team Nigerians have been clamoring for. But we must have patience,'' says Babangida.