Former Nigerian international, Jonathan Akpoborie, says he does not foresee the possibility of any Nigerian making a big money move in Europe, except they step up their game.
Although, he said the lack of standout performances in the country’s second round berth at the World Cup held in Brazil was the reason Super Eagles players failed to move to better clubs ahead of the next European league season, he was quick to charge the players to really improve on their performance.
Jonathan Akpoborie
He said: “It is for them now at club level to prove themselves again because definitely some scouts in Europe might have pencilled their name and need to see them play at club level before making a move for them because Nigeria did not play up to expectation in Brazil.
“Maybe in the nearest future, we will see our players move to better club sides; but right now, I don’t think it’s going to happen because of what we did at the World Cup.”
According to the former VFB Stuttgart star, Nigerian players failed to show the world what they were capable of doing in Brazil.
He said: “With all due respect, we are not ashamed of what the Super Eagles did at the World Cup. At the same time, when you look at it objectively and with the array of talents we have, we did not do enough at the World Cup.
“Although we had the likes of Michael Babatunde and Ogenyi Onazi shining through among other Super Eagles players, I think they did not do enough to attract offers from top European club sides.”
Brown Ideye, who ironically did not make the World Cup squad to Brazil, was the only Nigerian to have made a big move from Dynamo Kiev to English Premier League outfit, West Bromwich Albion, for a club record fee believed to be around £10 million.
