Wahidi Akanni, an ex-football international on Thursday said selection of players for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) should be based on merit.
Akanni told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that it was only by so doing that Nigeria’s dream of lifting the trophy for the 4th time would be realised.
He, however said he had confidence in the abilities of interim team head coach, Austin Eguavoen to bring out the best in the players invited to the team’s AFCON 2021 squad.
“The first thing to get right as we go to Cameroon is to get the selection of players right with the selection of the best players we will get results.
“Federal character or quota system should not come to play. In my own opinion if it is only Hausa, Igbo or Yoruba that can give us the results we want so be it.
“I strongly believe that players chosen on merit will give in their best shot and if that is the hallmark of our team, then we will have a great shot at winning this year’s edition,” he said.
Akanni, a former Lagos State FA Chairman told NAN that he had however, been disappointed about some players inability to make the team.
“Even though I am hopeful that we will do well, I am still disappointed at the fact that some players cannot be part of the team due to one reason or the other.
“ But it is in a situation like this that new stars are born. I want every player going for this tournament to give a very good account of himself, it is a privilege,” he said.
NAN reports that the Super Eagles of Nigeria have been drawn in Group D of the 33rd Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Cameroon, which will run from Jan. 9 to Feb. 6.
The Eagles are drawn in Group D with Egypt, Sudan and Guinea-Bissau.
Algeria won the last edition of AFCON in 2019, with a 1-0 win against Senegal in the final, while Nigeria finished third with a 1-0 victory against Tunisia in Cairo. (NAN)
