Be not deceived by what passes for conventional wisdom, we have talent in the Nigerian Professional Football League. It's been so easy (and convenient) for our national coaches to call up a virtual nonentity from some backwater league in Europe and give him a measure of prominence. But how about looking inward? After all, it is said that charity does begin at home.

I have lost count of the number of live NPFL games I've watched all over the country with SuperSport, as well as a few others on television.

We have the players to constitute a competitive national team in the NPFL. I'm not for an instant saying we should do away with our overseas-based professionals, far from it. I just want the local lads to have an equal opportunity.

Ill give a prime example. I've read rave reviews about Sunshine Stars Prince Aggrey. Apparently he's a tricky, pacy winger, who can play on both flanks but most importantly carries a goal threat. This is backed up by his nine league goals, a solid goals return for a winger.

Kwara United are seriously flirting with relegation with only 32 points from 30 games, and 18th in the log. Having already lost four games in Ilorin this season, Kwara United were only too aware that a failure to take all three points would cement their place in the relegation zone.

While Sunshine Stars, apart from winning only once on the road in the league so far, came into last weekend's game on the back of a four game winless streak, which included the end of their previously impeccable, one hundred percent home record by Heartland with a goalless draw. A game which Heartland really should have won with the last kick of the match.

Sunshine followed that up with a controversial 2-1 loss to Shooting Stars in Ibadan, before perennial party poopers and unbeaten streak enders, Nasarawa United, handed them their first loss in Akure, since November 23rd, 2008. The Stars' poor run had seen them drop from exchanging the leaguelead with Enyimba on a weekly basis in July to fourth place, and also in danger of slipping out of contention for CAF competitions.

Both teams needed the points badly but Sunshine Stars made a return to form at the right time. The Stars came from a goal down to win 2-1, in no small part to the wizardry of the twinkle-toed Aggrey. His ability to play down both wings flummoxed his markers and enabled him to create both goals. Aggrey's pace, dribbling skills and precise crossing ability can only be an asset to Sunday Oliseh's Super Eagles. I know Ahmed Musa seems indispensable at the moment, being vice-captain and one of the senior players. But I really think Aggrey in terms of end product, can bring more to the Eagles. Musa's crossing isn't one of his greatest assets and hasn't improved over the years I've been watching him.

Aggrey's pin-point balls into the box created havoc in Kwara United's defence and only poor finishing denied Sunshine Stars more goals. I know there is a vast step up in class between local and international football but I believe Aggrey has the essential tools to bridge that gulf.

While I focus on NPFL players, it's also a thing of joy and pride to see Nigerians playing regularly in the English Premier League.

The exclusion of OdionIghalo from the squad to face Tanzania raised eyebrows in several quarters and for the life of me, I couldn't understand it myself. Thankfully, that error has been rectified and he has been recalled for the Eagles upcoming friendly games.

Watching Ighalo score his third and fourth EPL goals for Watford against Newcastle last weekend further showcased his predatory instincts. I see no reason why he shouldn't lead the line for years to come. Let's not bother calling up misfiring strikers marking time in the renowned football hubs of the Middle East.

I'm also very pleased for football nomad Victor Moses, who seems to have found a home at West Ham. His goal and all-around performance against Manchester City showed a player fully fit and on top of his game. I hope for his sake he leaves Chelsea at the end of the season and signs a permanent deal with West Ham.

Finally, commendation to the League Management Company for taking action (although not stringent enough in my opinion) against Sunshine Stars' Sunday Abe for attacking the referee in their game against Shooting Stars in Ibadan. Abe was banned for six games, but considering the seriousness of his offence, the LMC's ban is, in hindsight, remarkably lenient.