Josiah Emmanuel recommends gaining experience in Nigeria before moving overseas

Former Podgorica of Montenegro, Balikesirspor of Turkey and Seattle Sounders of USA player, Josiah Emmanuel, has enjoined his fellow footballers plying their trade in the Nigerian championship to make sure they get grounded in the Nigerian league before venturing abroad.

Emmanuel, who currently laces his boots for Owerri-based Heartland FC, said: “It’s very important for players aspiring to play abroad to first and foremost learn the basics well, and get the little exposure needed in any of the leagues in Nigeria, be it the NLO, NNL or NPFL before moving out for trials outside the country.

“The experience and exposure is very vital and important because it will get the players well prepared for the challenges ahead.”

Emmanuel, who has been attracting interests from some club sides in Europe, believes his coming back to Nigeria and playing for Heartland has gotten him more prepared and ripe for any challenge abroad.