Former Nigeria international, Edema Fuludu, has voiced concerns over the current training plan for the CHAN Eagles, describing the decision to allow players invited for the CHAN Qualifiers to leave their clubs and join the national team camp as necessary but not ideal.
Fuludu, who has extensive experience both as a player and in football management, acknowledged that this arrangement ensures clubs are not deprived of their key talents during national team duties.
However, he highlighted the significant financial burden it places on clubs. The CHAN Eagles began their training last weekend in preparation for their upcoming qualifiers against arch-rivals Ghana.
Under the watchful eyes of coach Augustine Eguavoen and his assistants Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu, the team held their first sessions at the FIFA Goal Project Pitch in Abuja.
After midweek training, the players returned to their respective clubs to participate in last weekend’s fixtures.
Fuludu emphasized that while the current arrangement may be costly for clubs, it remains the most viable option in the face of a tight league schedule.
“If I’m paying players as a club, you cannot take my players from rendering services to me when I need them most,” Fuludu explained. “Players invited to the national team invariably mean they are the best I have in my team, and so their services are needed.”
The former international stressed the importance of finding an understanding between clubs and the national team to ensure that both interests are met. However, he admitted that while the financial costs are significant, there are no better alternatives available.
“It costs money, but what else can we do? We cannot disrupt the league which is running on a calendar,” Fuludu said. “Postponing league games to accommodate national team preparations would only complicate the league’s schedule and sponsorship deals.”
With the current arrangement in place, Fuludu believes that both the national team and the clubs must work together to avoid further complications, ensuring that national duty does not unduly impact the domestic league.
