Newly-appointed Nigeria manager Sunday Oliseh says he will stand by his decision not to select players plying their trade outside the top divisions.


Critics of Oliseh's policy believe the coach risks missing out on some talented players in the lower European divisions.


However, the 40-year-old said his decision to not consider players outside the first divisions was because the Super Eagles deserved nothing but the very best among their ranks.


"At the moment there has been a lot of talk as regards the fact that we have decided that first division players are the players that we found eligible to serve our country," Oliseh told Goal.


"We feel the best has to play for us and the best in any country play in the first division.


"Of course there could be some exceptions, we have players who are excellent in the second division but the basis of our decision is this: The best players in the first division are used to a certain level, tempo and competition standard because that is what the competition entails.


"And for that reason, we need the best that are used to playing at this tempo to serve and play for Nigeria," he concluded.