Nigeria’s football talent pool has long been a source of envy for many nations, but the country’s inability to keep its top players has become an increasingly concerning issue. The latest example is the case of Samuel Omorodion, the promising Atlético Madrid striker, who has been selected to represent Spain at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Omorodion, who has Nigerian roots, has been in impressive form this season, scoring nine goals in 35 appearances for Deportivo Alavés, where he is currently on loan. His selection by Spain’s national team coach Santi Denia is a testament to his rising profile and potential impact on the international stage.
This situation is not unique to Omorodion. In recent years, Nigeria has seen a growing trend of its eligible players choosing to represent other nations, much to the disappointment of Nigerian football fans and officials. Crystal Palace midfielder Michael Olise’s decision to play for France instead of Nigeria is a prime example, as are the cases of Bukayo Saka (England), David Alaba (Austria), and Tammy Abraham (England).
These players often cite better football infrastructure, career prospects, and emotional ties to the countries of their birth as reasons for their choices. This trend is concerning for Nigeria, which has a rich history of producing world-class football talent.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has been urged to improve its scouting and development programs to retain top talents. Real Madrid’s David Alaba, for instance, mentioned that there was no formal approach from Nigeria, which influenced his decision to play for Austria.
As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, starting on July 26, all eyes will be on Omorodion and how he performs for Spain. For Nigeria, the challenge remains to provide compelling reasons for their diaspora talent to don the Super Eagles jersey.
The loss of Omorodion is a significant setback for Nigeria, as the country continues to grapple with the challenge of keeping its best players. The NFF must act swiftly to address this issue, lest they risk losing more of their promising talents to other nations.
In the end, the Omorodion saga serves as a stark reminder of the need for Nigeria to invest in its football infrastructure and development programs. Only then can the country hope to retain its top players and maintain its status as a powerhouse in international football.
