A former Nigerian international, Coach Usman Yinka Salihu has said the most talented football players in Nigeria are in the northern part of the country.
The former BCC Lions of Gboko star made the assertion while answering a question on why players of northern extraction hardly feature prominently in the Super Eagles.
Speaking to Daily Trust yesterday, Salihu who played a prominent role in the national U-23 team of his generation said players based in the north are highly talented but are hardly scouted by national team coaches.
In addition, he said the players themselves do not have the right attitude that would take them to the pinnacle of their chosen career.
According to him, most of the players are easily contented with whatever they have achieved and would prefer to play in the north to going elsewhere in search of greener pastures.
He said “In my opinion the main problem with northern players is their attitude. It is a fact that no matter the ability you have, without the right attitude that ability will amount to nothing.
“They like to play without restrictions. Once you try to impose discipline on them, they tend not to perform well. Most are of them are more comfortable playing in the north where they can come to training anytime they want and when it is convenient for them.
“However, there is no doubting the fact that the best talents in Nigerian football are in the north. Sometimes they are discovered and taken out but because their orientation is the same, they hardly flourish,” he said.
Salihu, in addition, called on parents in the north to emulate their counterparts from the south who see football as big business.
The former international said parents should encourage their wards to go out and play the game which he reiterated has the power to change lives.
