Nigeria's Sports Minister John Enoh faces backlash after questioning foreign-born Super Eagles players' commitment. Fans criticize his comments as divisive and misguided, urging focus on administrative issues instead. The controversy highlights ongoing challenges in Nigerian football management and team performance.
Nigeria's Sports Minister John Enoh has sparked controversy by questioning the commitment of foreign-born Super Eagles players. In an interview, Enoh suggested that 90% of the team's players were not born in Nigeria and asked whether they have "the spirit, the fire of a Nigerian player born in Nigeria." He also claimed some players are not good enough for the national team.
These comments have drawn widespread criticism from fans and pundits. Many pointed out that foreign-born players like Ademola Lookman, William Troost-Ekong, and Ola Aina were among the team's top performers at the recent Africa Cup of Nations. Critics argue that Enoh's statements are divisive and could harm team morale.
Several commenters highlighted that the real issues facing Nigerian football are administrative incompetence, corruption, and poor infrastructure. They urged the minister to focus on these problems rather than scapegoating players. Some fans defended the foreign-born players, noting their consistent dedication to the national team despite often not being paid on time.
Others called for Enoh's resignation, arguing that his comments demonstrate a lack of understanding of modern football. The controversy comes at a challenging time for Nigerian football, with the team struggling in recent matches and concerns about World Cup qualification.
