As Amavubi fans eagerly await the impeding decision by world football governing body (FIFA) regarding Nigerian striker Elijah Ani and the situation about changing nationality so that he plays for Rwanda, it's imperative we look at the good, the bad and the ugly of that move. Rwanda has been down this road before, and we all know how far it took Amavubi, with the team at Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2004 finals in Tunisia comprising a significant number of naturalized players. We are also aware of how bad, bumpy and uneven that route was, especially when it came to the limited playing time home-grown players had, and who can/will ever forget how ugly that route ended with Rwanda being disqualified from AFCON 2015 Qualifiers after being found guilty of fielding an ineligible player (Dady Birori)! The country was disqualified from the competition after DR Congo-born forward Dady Birori was found to have two identities and was using a different name and a Congolese passport when playing club football AS Vita Club. Birori, who African football governing body, CAF, said was registered as Tady Etekiama Agiti at club AS Vita, was also banned separately. CAF said Birori was also using a different date of birth and Congolese nationality in his club documents. But before the Birori drama, naturalized players had played a big part when Rwanda attained her biggest achievement in international football. The likes of Eria Manamana, Saidi Abed Makasi, Fritz Emeran Nkusi, Ramadhan Nkunzingoma, Elias Ntaganda, Abbas Rassou, Patrick Mafisango, Bobo Bolla etc... are names we remember and will always be remembered by Amavubi fans. Even the top nations, Spain, France, Germany, the United States, Switzerland, Austria and so many others have players of duo nationalities, but maybe the difference with them is that they use players either born on those countries or one of the parents is a native of that country. Unlike Rwanda, which in the past have fielded just naturalized players, when the decision was taken to stop using foreign players for Amavubi, the idea was to gloom home-grown players and give them the opportunity to play for their country. Again, we all know, Amavubi have won nothing ever since or even reached the heights of the mid-2000s. Now, it appears as though local football governing body (FERWAFA) are returning to the tried, tested and approved strategy, with Ani being the first among many that Rwanda could turn to in pursuit of success. The Bugesera FC striker is uncapped at any level by Nigeria and has now agreed to represent Rwandan in international football. He is currently in the Amavubi camp, training with the rest of the squad in preparations for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Lesotho on June 6 and June 11 respectively. Ani was arguably the best player in his debut season in the Rwandan league where he finished as joint top scorer, along with APR FC's Victor Mbaoma, on 15 goals. He also led unfancied Bugesera FC to the Peace Cup final before losing the trophy to Police FC. Immediate impact vs short-term success Naturalized players often bring a higher level of skill and experience to the team, which can lead to immediate improvements in performance. Plus, access to players from diverse backgrounds can enhance the overall talent pool of the team, bringing different playing styles, strategies, and perspectives. Experienced naturalized players can serve as mentors to younger homegrown players, providing guidance, leadership, and inspiration both on and off the pitch. Naturalized players with experience in top leagues or international competitions can elevate the visibility and reputation of the team on the global stage. In the short term, the inclusion of naturalized players can lead to success in tournaments and competitions, boosting morale and national pride. However, naturalized players may not have the same deep-rooted connection to the country, flag, or anthem as locally-born players, potentially affecting their loyalty and commitment to the team. Relying heavily on naturalized players can hinder the development of local talent, depriving homegrown players of crucial playing time and opportunities for growth. Differences in culture, language, and background between naturalized and local players can sometimes create challenges in team cohesion, communication, and chemistry. Risk of ineligibility and public perception As seen in the case of Birori, there's a risk of administrative issues, such as ineligible players or dual identities, which can lead to disqualifications and tarnish the team's reputation. Some fans and stakeholders may view the use of naturalized players as compromising the team's authenticity and national identity, sparking debates and controversies within the fanbase and wider community. Rwanda currently leads Group C with four points from two games after drawing with Zimbabwe and stunning South Africa 2-0 in Huye in November 2023. Spittler's side takes on Benin on June 6 before going up against Lesotho on June 11. While naturalized players can offer immediate benefits in terms of skill and experience, their inclusion must be balanced with a long-term strategy for developing local talent and preserving the team's identity. It's crucial for Rwanda to weigh the positives and negatives carefully and make informed decisions that align with their broader goals and values. Otherwise, if Ani is as good as his form for Bugesera FC, and FIFA clears him to play for Amavubi, I would offer to drive him to the last training session before coach Frank Spittler picks his final team.
