Football enthusiast Kabiru Yakasai criticizes the lack of representation from Nigeria's northern region in the Super Eagles squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
In a notable critique, football enthusiast Kabiru Yakasai has questioned the composition of Nigeria's Super Eagles squad, expressing concern over the lack of representation from the northern region.
With only one northern player, Alhassan Yusuf, included in the 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic, Yakasai argues that this token gesture falls short of reflecting the significant contributions of the north to Nigerian football.
Yakasai emphasized the historical tradition of unity and inclusivity within the team, highlighting the blend of southern and northern players during past successes.
He raised doubts about the team's cohesion under the current selection approach and its potential impact on Nigeria's football identity. Furthermore, Yakasai criticized the omission of talented northern players from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) in favor of solely southern-based players, suggesting a bias that could further polarize and discriminate within the team.
This sentiment underscores concerns about regional bias and its implications for the team's success. Yakasai's remarks shed light on broader issues of representation and inclusivity within Nigerian football, urging for a more balanced and inclusive approach to squad selection.
