2023 Afcon: Gbenga Ogunbote canvasses for NPFL players in Super Eagles squad

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Shooting Stars coach, Gbenga Ogunbote has urged Jose Peseiro can get the best out of Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) players by having confidence in their ability without looking out for their faults.

The former Remo Stars gaffer feels the morale of Nigerian league players gets killed even before take off because they have been scrutinized and looked down upon over the years, while advocating for equal opportunity.

“I think we have a few players that can make up the team. All you need is confidence in the home-based players but if you lack confidence, there is nothing you can do,” Ogunbote told Brila FM.

“The first thing is to believe you can do it. This inferiority look on the domestic league has not helped the players because every time they look at them as not being experienced.

“The moment the player leaves the shores of he country, tomorrow he becomes a professional and has experience. The home-based players would be more hungry to play and they want to pick a jersey and want it to be invited again.”

Nigeria’s senior national team’s next engagement is against Sierra Leone in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers on June 18.

Coach Peseiro is expected to release his team list ahead of the game with few home-based players in contention for inclusion in the team.