No Need Inviting Benchwarmers To Super Eagles, Says Ekpo

Former Super Eagles midfielder, Friday Ekpo, is backing Coach Sunday Oliseh in his non-inclusion of some key players for next month’s 2017 Africa Nations Cup qualifier against Tanzania, saying the Eagles head coach is on course.

Ekpo who spoke with The Guardian during the week said that the action taken by Oliseh was good for the nation’s football.

“First and foremost, I want to salute the courage of Oliseh for coming out with such a wonderful idea. I have been advocating that players invitation should be based on current form,” Ekpo said.

Speaking further, he said: “How do you feature a player who doesn’t play regularly for his club. When a player lacks playing time, there is no way he can be in good form on the field.

“Look at John Terry at his age. He is a starter in the Chelsea’s lineup until he was replaced in last Sunday match against Manchester City after 147 league matches.

“Even as a player in the national team, Terry was a regular. So, if you need to be in the national team, it’s necessary you feature regularly for your club. Assuming we have other great talents who play continually for clubs, are we saying such players don’t deserve invitation? The truth is that playing regularly keeps one in top shape.

“Honestly, I think Oliseh is on right track. Though some of these players dropped are good, but then, they need to work harder.”