Former Nigeria goalkeeper Alloy Agu: Restrictions on number of foreign-based players will not harm Super Eagles

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Alloy Agu has praised the decision of coach Stephen Keshi to limit the number of foreign-based players to be invited to his squad, which will play against Rwanda in a 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualify on February 29.

Agu, who won the Afcon as part of the Nigeria squad in 1994, has said that the policy will not be counter-productive.

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Peru £11.25

Draw £50.00

Nigeria £190.00

Bet: £5 £10 £20 £50 £100

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Draw £65.00

Nigeria £290.00

Bet: £5 £10 £20 £50 £100

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Draw £38.00

Nigeria £55.00

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Draw £34.00

Nigeria £50.00

“The 12 pros [foreign-based players] are more than enough,” Agu told Goal.com. “We already have the home-based players whom people have been commending. So it is a good development that at least eight players from the league will be representing the country in an international game – it is a welcome development.

“The combination [of local players and foreign professionals] should give us the desired result. The friendly against Liberia will lead to the Rwanda clash and Keshi must already have an idea of those that are likely to fit into his game plans.

“Moreover, it will help restore confidence in our local league as the players now know that if they do well, they will get invited to the national camp and not only that, they will get a chance to play – that is very motivating for the local players,” Agu concluded.

The match is due to be played at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali with the return leg to be played in June. The league season in Rwanda will be suspended after this weekend’s matches so that the national team can prepare properly and be totally focused for the game.