‘We’ve Lost Our Spark!’ – Swiss-Based Nigerian Coach Slams NFF Over Golden Eaglets’ Qatar 2025 Absence, Calls for Total Overhaul
InfoSport: Swiss-based Nigerian coach Adeyemi demands a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s youth football system after the Golden Eaglets’ failure to qualify for Qatar 2025.
Nigeria’s youth football system is under scrutiny following the recent failure of the Golden Eaglets to qualify for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar 2025. Swiss-based Nigerian coach Adeyemi has called for a total overhaul of youth football, stressing the need for modernization to revive Nigeria’s lost glory in the sport.
The Need for a Modern Approach
Adeyemi believes that the continued reliance on outdated coaching practices has significantly hindered the development of Nigeria’s U-17 teams, resulting in missed opportunities on the global stage. “It’s unfortunate that our U-17 boys can no longer qualify for competitions once dominated by the Golden Eaglets, having missed three consecutive editions,” he lamented. He insists that modern football has evolved into a science, necessitating that local coaches upgrade their techniques and tools.
Urging NFF to Broaden Horizons
The coach is advocating for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to explore talent beyond local shores. He suggests hiring qualified Nigerian coaches from abroad, who possess contemporary skills, knowledge, and insights needed to lead the national youth teams effectively. “If the NFF continues to employ coaches who lack a full grasp of modern, scientific trends in youth football, the result will remain the same,” Adeyemi warned.
He highlighted that historical successes in Nigerian football came when methodologies were diverse and accommodating of technological advances, such as MRI scans used for stringent age verifications. “We need coaches who understand youth football development tactically, technically, theoretically, and scientifically,” he added.
The Path Forward
As Nigeria grapples with declining success in youth football, Adeyemi warned that continuing this cycle of outdated strategies could jeopardize the future of the Super Eagles. “If this trend continues, it will be difficult for the Super Eagles to find quality players coming through the youth ranks,” he cautioned.
His concluding message was clear: the NFF must prioritize competence over sentiment, placing knowledgeable coaches in critical positions to guide Nigeria’s youth into a more successful future. The call for a data-driven approach—analyzing player progress and opponent strategies—could be the key to reclaiming lost glory in Nigerian football.
In sum, the appeal for a complete overhaul of the youth football system is an urgent call to action for stakeholders within the NFF and athlete development programs. The future of football in Nigeria may well depend on embracing scientific advancements in training and strategy.
