Bayelsa Queens head coach Whyte Ogbonda has urged the Nigeria Football Federation to consider establishing a Super Falcons squad composed entirely of home-based players, arguing it would strengthen the national women’s team and deepen the talent pool. His comments come amid discussions about the team’s selection policy ahead of major competitions.
Ogbonda believes that relying heavily on foreign based players limits opportunities for local talents who are performing well in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership. He suggests that a dedicated platform for home-based players could enhance development and national team cohesion.
Speaking to reporters, the Bayelsa Queens boss echoed earlier calls for greater inclusion of domestically-based Nigerian women footballers in the Super Falcons setup, noting that such a move would reward league performers and help maintain a strong connection between local football and the national team.
His remarks highlight ongoing debate in Nigerian women’s football circles about balancing foreign experience with home grown talent a conversation intensified by the successes of Nigerian players abroad and the need to nurture stars from the domestic league.
Editorial
Whyte Ogbonda’s call for a home-based Super Falcons team touches on a key issue in Nigerian women’s football talent utilisation. While foreign-based players bring valuable experience from competitive leagues abroad, giving more chances to high-performing players from the NWFL could uncover hidden gems and build a stronger pipeline for the national team.
Such a dual structure approach — combining foreign-based stars with a core group of domestic players is a model seen in international women’s football, allowing federations to develop depth and continuity. For Nigerian fans and stakeholders, Ogbonda’s suggestion reignites important questions about investment in the local league and the role it should play in national team success.
With the Super Falcons eyeing future qualifiers and tournaments, expanding opportunities for home-based players could also inspire broader interest and participation in the Nigerian women’s game, strengthening grassroots connections and rewarding excellence in the NWFL.
Did You Know?
- Whyte Ogbonda is the head coach of Bayelsa Queens FC, one of the top teams in the Nigeria Women Football League.
- The call for more home-based players reflects ongoing debate about selection balance between foreign based and locally-based talent for the Super Falcons.
- Bayelsa Queens have produced several players who have featured for Nigeria’s national women’s teams at different levels.
- A home-based Super Falcons side could help deepen the domestic talent pool and improve opportunities for NWFL players.
- Recent Super Falcons squads have included a mix of foreign-based stars and local talents, with efforts to increase home-based representation.
