An Opinion from someone who has observed, participated and loves Eritrea and its success in Football:

This past week, the number of diaspora-based players representing Eritrea exceeded that of local players. Yet once again, the global narrative has shifted toward stories of defections and despair, the same narrative that has followed Eritrean football for nearly two decades. It seems like there is a huge effort to use football, the biggest international sport platform to damage Eritrea’s reputation. As someone who has closely covered and supported Eritrean football for over twenty years, I find it painful to see this pattern overshadow meaningful progress.

If some of these players have indeed chosen to leave, they will soon learn whether the “grass is greener” elsewhere. In all my years following Eritrean football, not one player who absconded the national team during an international competition has gone on to become a top-level professional. A few reached semi-professional leagues in Europe or Australia, but none have broken into elite football.This recurring trend suggests that certain local players may view the national team not as a sporting honor but as a way out of the country for non-football motives.

At the same time, we are witnessing extraordinary progress among diaspora Eritrean players. Many have reached top clubs and leagues worldwide, despite facing racism, identity challenges, and fierce competition. Their success is built on discipline, consistency, and a relentless passion for football. Whether at home or abroad, what separates the great from the average is the ability to perform and grow at competitive levels consistently.

Two inspiring examples are Siem Eyob Abraha and Ali Sulieman. Siem’s journey began in England with the Manchester United youth academy as part of a youth project that shaped his technical and mental growth. His return to represent Eritrea and score at a young age showed maturity and commitment beyond his years. It is a clear indication that Eritrean youth everywhere inside and outside of Eritrea if they focus can become successful.

Meanwhile Ali’s rise began inside Eritrea, where his talent first caught attention. After dominating neighboring leagues, topping his division’s scoring charts twice, he advanced to play in one of Africa’s most respected football leagues in Egypt. His success story shows what can happen when homegrown players are properly supported and developed.

Siem Eyob Abraha and Ali Sulieman

The lesson is clear: Eritrea’s local players need mentorship, respect, and investment. Representing Eritrea should be one of the greatest privileges for any citizen, but that honor must come with a system that empowers athletes, through training, education, and welfare. With sanctions lifted and the geopolitical landscape evolving, Eritrea has an opportunity to rebuild its football league, energize youth development, and reclaim its football identity. The passion exists; what’s missing is structure, investment, and trust in Eritrean talent.

That process must start with collaboration. The ENFF must utilize professional diaspora expertise particularly in overall management sports education, sports medicine & eventually sports media, marketing, and branding, to unify the national football image under one consistent identity. It is very important to understand that most of our diaspora players are trained in well-structured clubs with advanced organizational management. So the standard set at high levels must be emulated by the ENFF. Eritrea should actively involve professionals with real football industry knowledge to strengthen the national program. Honest collaboration between Eritreans at home and abroad who genuinely care about football is crucial to effective management and long-term success.

It’s difficult to achieve international standards without international experience. The ENFF should integrate Eritreans with global sports management backgrounds who can contribute both strategically and ethically to the nation’s sports future. Their expertise isn’t just valuable, it’s essential to ensure performance improvement, strong cultural identity, and protection of Eritrea’s national interests.

Sports also carry national security and diplomatic significance. Eritrean professionals with international exposure and patriotic integrity can safeguard the country’s reputation and elevate its standing. These individuals are assets that deserve respect and inclusion, not dismissal. The writer has built a network of many powerful and patriotic, passionate, professional Eritreans if Eritrea calls them genuinely. The writer has even suggested a national convention and conference in Eritrea as soon as possible.

At its core, Eritrean football, like every sphere of Eritrean society, must remain an institution by the people and for the people. No one is greater than the mission of our nation. That mission must always be unity, professionalism, and progress through sport.

I write this as an Eritrean-American former broadcast journalist deeply entrenched with the U.S. national soccer team in 1994, a former college soccer player with a master’s degree in international sports management, and someone who has supported the ENFF in numerous capacities over more than two decades. I have also served as Public Relations Director for both the United Soccer Coaches Black Soccer Coaches Advocacy Group, one of the largest professional coaching networks in the United States, and the Eritrean Sports Federation in North America. I have also been mentoring Eritrean youth in all sports and continue to do so today.

These experiences have shown me that success in football administration comes from integrity, professionalism, and collaboration, not division. Eritrea has the talent, the history, and the passion. Now is the time to bring it all together under one united and modern vision.

Respectfully with love for Eritrea & the beautiful game.

Awet n’ hafash!

Mike Seium

Source: https://www.facebook.com/mike.seiumpelejunior/posts/pfbid02CaQTtosEJjeW3WsUhf1cdtM2cJyLeVfqFQ6PmPUZRAo4WwxVyH3Fs55mKVyC4VJyl