Why Shola AbdulRaheem Deserves an Invitation to the Super Eagles – The Era of “Too Young to Play” Is Over
In recent years, the world of football has seen a shift in how national teams approach the inclusion of young players, with the focus now squarely on their talent and readiness rather than their age. One of the most notable examples of this change is Spain’s 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, who was called up to the national team despite his youth. This growing trend underscores a powerful message: age is no longer a barrier for young players who have proven their abilities on the pitch. In this context, Nigerian football should take a page out of this book and consider the inclusion of home-based talent like Shola AbdulRaheem in the Super Eagles.
Shola AbdulRaheem, the talented midfielder of Kwara United Football Club, is a product of the highly respected Abubakar Bukola Saraki Football Club (ABSF FC). AbdulRaheem has been a standout player in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL), showcasing exceptional skills, vision, and maturity on the ball. Despite his impressive performances, he has yet to be called up to the Super Eagles, unlike young players such as Lamine Yamal, who have been given opportunities to shine for their national teams.
1. Shola AbdulRaheem’s Talent and Consistency
Shola AbdulRaheem’s performances for Kwara United have earned him recognition as one of the brightest young stars in the NPFL. His ability to control the midfield, break up opposition attacks, and launch offensive moves speaks to a level of maturity far beyond his years. Whether it’s his precise passing, intelligent positioning, or dribbling ability, AbdulRaheem has demonstrated that he can compete with the best.
His growth as a player has been remarkable, not just in terms of individual performances, but also in how he influences the flow of matches. AbdulRaheem has regularly been involved in key moments for Kwara United, and his all-around play makes him a potential asset for the Super Eagles. With his combination of technical ability, work ethic, and footballing intelligence, AbdulRaheem has shown he can more than handle the rigors of international competition.
2. The Age Barrier Should No Longer Apply
The era where players were considered “too young” for national team duty is fast fading in world football. The rise of young players like Lamine Yamal in Spain is a testament to this shift in thinking. Yamal, at just 16, has already received a call-up to the senior Spanish national team, and his inclusion has been met with enthusiasm due to his obvious potential and the quality he has already demonstrated at a professional level. This is a trend that should inspire the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to look closer at homegrown players like AbdulRaheem.
Shola AbdulRaheem has shown that his youth should not be seen as a disadvantage but as an asset. He has earned his place through his performances at the club level and has the qualities needed to contribute to the Super Eagles. His age, far from being a limiting factor, could be a sign of a bright future for Nigerian football.
3. A Call for the New Super Eagles Coach, Eric Chelle, to Look Inward
With the appointment of Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, there is a renewed sense of optimism surrounding the national team. Chelle has the opportunity to reshape the team and take it to new heights, but one key area he must address is the integration of young, homegrown players into the squad. By bringing in Shola AbdulRaheem, Chelle could unlock a fresh talent that could contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers and beyond.
AbdulRaheem’s potential as a key player for Nigeria cannot be ignored. His ability to dominate the midfield and create chances for his teammates could provide a significant boost to the Super Eagles. The upcoming World Cup qualifiers in March present the perfect opportunity for Chelle to test AbdulRaheem’s abilities and assess how he could fit into the national team setup.
4. Building for the Future
One of the key challenges facing Nigerian football in recent years has been the lack of continuity and consistency in the Super Eagles. While the team has produced some exceptional talents, there has often been a reliance on older players, with young, home-based talents sometimes overlooked. However, this needs to change if Nigeria is to remain competitive on the international stage. Bringing in AbdulRaheem would signal a commitment to building for the future, not just focusing on the present.
By calling up AbdulRaheem, Nigeria would be investing in a player with the potential to become a central figure for years to come. His inclusion could also serve as a signal to other young players in the NPFL that there is a pathway to the Super Eagles, encouraging them to develop their skills domestically and stay committed to the Nigerian football system. AbdulRaheem could be the first of many home-based players to make the leap to the national team, creating a new generation of Super Eagles stars.
5. A Symbol of Change and Opportunity
In recent years, the focus of national teams around the world has shifted toward developing young players and giving them a chance to prove themselves at the highest level. This is especially important for African nations like Nigeria, where the domestic league has a wealth of untapped talent. Inviting Shola AbdulRaheem to the Super Eagles would be a step in the right direction for the NFF and could help inspire a new era of Nigerian football.
AbdulRaheem’s call-up would not just be a recognition of his talent, but also a symbol of change in Nigerian football. It would signal that the NFF is committed to embracing new ideas and looking at players who have the potential to make an impact on the international stage, regardless of their age or where they play.
A Future Super Eagles Star
Shola AbdulRaheem is a young, talented player with immense potential, and it’s time for the Nigerian Football Federation to look inward and allow him to represent his country. Just as Lamine Yamal has been given the chance to shine for Spain, AbdulRaheem deserves a chance to showcase his skills for the Super Eagles. With the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in March, new coach Eric Chelle has the perfect opportunity to test this young midfielder and see how he can contribute to Nigeria’s future success.
The era of “too young to play” is over. It’s time for Nigeria to embrace its homegrown talents, and Shola AbdulRaheem is ready to step up.
By: Sodiq Adebara who writes from Ilorin.
