Sylvanus Okpala urges Jose Peseiro to use NPFL players against Sao Tome and Principe

By Saheed Afolabi

Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 1980 winner, Sylvanus Okpala has urged Nigeria head coach, Jose Peseiro to bank on only home based players for the country’s last Africa Cup of Nations AFCON qualifiers in September.

Super Eagles have already qualified for the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast but will be playing against Sao Tome and Principe in their last group A match of the qualifiers.

Following the nation’s qualification to Afcon, the legendary goalkeeper has appealed to the Portuguese manager to offer the home based players the chance to  execute the dead-rubber game against Sao Tome.

“I would like the home-based players to be used for the match against São Tomé and Principe,” Okpala told Complete Sports.

“There’s no need to invite the main Super Eagles players whether the game will be played either home or away.

“Also I expect foreign-based players who have not been regular in the team to be invited so that they will have the opportunity to play.“

Nigeria will be making its 21st appearance at the AFCON championship in Ivory Coast. The Super Eagles have won the Africa top prize in football three times as they last won it 10 years ago.