Don’t bring quota system into football, nuture Ronaldos, Messis roaming as Almajiris – Aisha Yesufu

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Don’t bring quota system into football, nuture Ronaldos, Messis roaming as Almajiris – Aisha Yesufu

A social critic, Aisha Yesufu, has tackled those pushing for quota system to be introduced in the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s national football team.

Yesufu said that the North should invest more in children, insisting there are many ‘Ronaldos’ and ‘Messis’ roaming on the streets as Almajiris.

Her statement followed a report in a section of the media (not Waploaded) that a football enthusiast, Kabiru Yakasai, queried the inclusion of only one player from the north in the present Super Eagles squad for the two 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic.

Yakasi said the north, with her enormous contribution to Nigerian football, deserved more players in the senior national team.

According to him, Super Eagles coach, Finidi George’s decision to overlook the traditional mix of southern and northern players in the Eagles’ squad is a departure from the team’s historic culture of unity and inclusivity

Yakasi added that Finidi’s selection raises concerns about the team’s cohesion and Nigeria’s football identity.

However, Yesufu, in a post on her X handle on Wednesday, said she didn’t agree.

She stressed that the statement amounts to bringing in quota system, which she argued had destroyed Nigeria, into the one thing that currently unites Nigeria.

She said: “I agree! The North should invest more in children. Many Ronaldos and Messis are roaming the streets as Almajiris.

“Those talents, if nurtured, can end up making up even 90% of the National squad.

“You want to bring in quota system that has destroyed Nigeria into the one thing that currently unites Nigeria!

Just imagine!”