Pascal Backs Inclusion of Home-Based Players but Warns Against Risks in World Cup Qualifiers

Patrick Pascal, Coordinator of the Super Eagles and former Olympic gold medalist, has weighed in on the growing debate surrounding the inclusion of home-based players in Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

With four matches remaining in the qualifying series, Pascal expressed concern that many Nigerian fans may not be comfortable seeing players from the domestic league starting crucial fixtures against Rwanda and South Africa in September, as well as Lesotho and Benin Republic in October.

Speaking to Sports247, Pascal noted that despite coach Eric Chelle inviting 10 home-based players to the recent Unity Cup in London—where six featured against Ghana and three made the starting lineup—the dynamics of World Cup qualifiers present a different challenge.

“If everybody has confidence, then we can agree that the coach can try other players… knowing that every player has to start from somewhere,” Pascal said. “You cannot attend university without first going to primary and nursery school. So, if all of us have the mind, then we can use home-based players against Rwanda and South Africa.”

Pascal, who played for NPFL sides Wikki Tourists and 3SC, and now serves as chairman of the Bauchi State Football Association, argued that giving opportunities to local players can strengthen the foundation of the national team. However, he acknowledged that such chances are rare and often fleeting.

“One thing about the national team is that it’s a career that depends on time. If you don’t leave football, football will leave you. All of us would love to play in the national team, but we can’t. So, we are just watching and clapping,” he stated.

The former right-back, known as ‘PP’ during his playing days, emphasized that the decision to rely on NPFL players for high-stakes qualifiers cannot rest solely on the coach’s shoulders. He warned that Chelle could face backlash from fans and critics if results don’t go Nigeria’s way.

“We have to decide for the World Cup qualifiers. For instance, South Africa are using their league players. So, I don’t see any reason for us being scared to do the same now,” Pascal concluded.

As Nigeria intensifies preparations for the September fixtures, Pascal’s remarks add weight to the ongoing discourse about balancing trust in homegrown talent with the pressure to deliver results on the road to the 2026 World Cup.