- Yakasai criticized the selection of only one player from Northern Nigeria for the Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup qualifiers
- He argued that the North’s significant contributions to Nigerian football merit more representation in the national team
Football enthusiast Kabiru Yakasai has expressed concern over including only one player from Northern Nigeria in the current Super Eagles squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic. Alhassan Yusuf from Royal Antwerp, Belgium, is the sole representative from the North in the 23-man squad for the matches scheduled on June 7 in Uyo and June 10 in Abidjan.
In a statement, Yakasai argued that the North deserves more representation in the senior national team due to its significant contributions to Nigerian football. He criticized coach Finidi George’s selection, suggesting it was merely a token gesture to include one player from the region.
“Finidi’s selection of Alhassan Yusuf as the sole representative from the region has been seen as a token gesture, doing little to quell the criticism. The vast pool of talents from the North, which has contributed significantly to Nigerian football, deserves more representation than just a solitary selection,” Yakasai said.
Yakasai highlighted the Super Eagles’ historical inclusivity, where a mix of players from both southern and northern Nigeria contributed to the team’s success. He noted that during Finidi’s playing days, the team benefited from the talents of northern players such as Daniel Amokachi, the late Rashidi Yekini, Garba Lawal, and Tijjani Babangida. This blend fostered national pride and team cohesion, which he fears is now at risk.
He also expressed disappointment that northern players performing well in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) were overlooked. He mentioned talented players like Sani Suleiman of Akwa United, Yusuf Abdullahi, Faisal Sani of Kano Pillars, and Naziru Auwalu of Enugu Rangers, suggesting that their exclusion indicates regional bias.
Yakasai warned Finidi’s current approach could lead to further polarization and discrimination within the team, undermining its unity and success.
“Finidi is setting a dangerous precedent, potentially leading to further polarization and discrimination within the team,” Yakasai concluded.