By John Adeogun|@john_adeogun
It was a tournament that brought all Nigerians home and abroad together, as the young lads demonstrated strong determination, and unshakeable focus on their way to glory. The tournament which was the first of its kind is a developmental initiative by FIFA, which aims to unearth next generation of stars, to be nurtured by the U-20 championship and also the U-23 tournament, before graduating to the grandest stage of national team of each member state.
With the first edition won by Nigeria in 1985, football fans all across the world had their eyes focused on the most populous nation in Africa, which of course is expected to provide another set of players who will shake the world, and ultimately bring the most coveted world cup to the African continent.
They did qualify for their first ever world cup appearance nine yearslater, (much to the delight of their fans across the globe), and wowed the world with their sleek movement, direct running, and ruthlessness in front of goal, as their stay as debutants in the competition was cut short at the knock out stage - by spirited Roberto Baggio’s Italian national team, who went all the way to the final of the championship, before bowing to Brazil in a penalty shoot – out.
Pundits have argued that the team is the best Eagles team so far, while others think, brighter generation are yet to come.
That brighter generation might have come, or are already on their way downhill; as Nigeria have added up- four U-17 trophies, since their triumph in 1985.
Phenomenal Nwankwo Kanu led the golden eaglets to the glory in 1993.
Haruna Lukman followed suit in 2007.
Musa Mohammed charged his teammates to the cup in 2013.
Kelechi Nwakali completed the history with his colleagues in 2015, making Nigeria to have won the bi-annual competition on a record five time - the highest in the history of the competition.
With plethora of talents littering these triumphant squads, the question on the lips of most soccer loving Nigerians is – why are we still here? Identifying the talents in these bright youngsters is not a problem, as the quantum of players exported from Nigeria to all over the world have showcased, but administratively, are we getting it right?
In the age where football performances are not only judged on the pitch of play alone, but excellent planning of the coach, perfect tactics for each opponents, strong motivations for players, solid backing from the administrators, and financial inputs all play crucial roles which culminate to success for any winning team.
Administratively, former Super Eagles coach, chief Adegboye Onigbinde said, “Nigeria run a system of who you know, and not what you know.” In his words, the administrative block of Nigeria Football Federation, are always putting the square peg in a round hole, politicking with coaches salary, and pocketing meager amount of money meant for match allowances, and match bonuses of the players, which blight any morale in the camp of these boys.
The alleged plan to boycott the match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Les Blues of France at 2014 FIFA world cup held in Brazil, did not only drag the name of the country into mold, but also dampened the good morale, late coach Stephen Keshi has been able to sustain in the camp of the team.
With numerous controversies and inconsistencies in the glass house, there are needs to take every drastic steps in order to restore the lost glory of our darling team.
Photo Credit: IBTimes UK, Rovesciate and MTNFootball.
Nigeria U-17 world cup triumph in 1985 has been labeled, as the turning point for the country in the history of the beautiful round-leather game.
It was a tournament that brought all Nigerians home and abroad together, as the young lads demonstrated strong determination, and unshakeable focus on their way to glory. The tournament which was the first of its kind is a developmental initiative by FIFA, which aims to unearth next generation of stars, to be nurtured by the U-20 championship and also the U-23 tournament, before graduating to the grandest stage of national team of each member state.
With the first edition won by Nigeria in 1985, football fans all across the world had their eyes focused on the most populous nation in Africa, which of course is expected to provide another set of players who will shake the world, and ultimately bring the most coveted world cup to the African continent.
They did qualify for their first ever world cup appearance nine yearslater, (much to the delight of their fans across the globe), and wowed the world with their sleek movement, direct running, and ruthlessness in front of goal, as their stay as debutants in the competition was cut short at the knock out stage - by spirited Roberto Baggio’s Italian national team, who went all the way to the final of the championship, before bowing to Brazil in a penalty shoot – out.
Pundits have argued that the team is the best Eagles team so far, while others think, brighter generation are yet to come.
That brighter generation might have come, or are already on their way downhill; as Nigeria have added up- four U-17 trophies, since their triumph in 1985.
Phenomenal Nwankwo Kanu led the golden eaglets to the glory in 1993.
Haruna Lukman followed suit in 2007.
Musa Mohammed charged his teammates to the cup in 2013.
Kelechi Nwakali completed the history with his colleagues in 2015, making Nigeria to have won the bi-annual competition on a record five time - the highest in the history of the competition.
With plethora of talents littering these triumphant squads, the question on the lips of most soccer loving Nigerians is – why are we still here? Identifying the talents in these bright youngsters is not a problem, as the quantum of players exported from Nigeria to all over the world have showcased, but administratively, are we getting it right?
In the age where football performances are not only judged on the pitch of play alone, but excellent planning of the coach, perfect tactics for each opponents, strong motivations for players, solid backing from the administrators, and financial inputs all play crucial roles which culminate to success for any winning team.
Administratively, former Super Eagles coach, chief Adegboye Onigbinde said, “Nigeria run a system of who you know, and not what you know.” In his words, the administrative block of Nigeria Football Federation, are always putting the square peg in a round hole, politicking with coaches salary, and pocketing meager amount of money meant for match allowances, and match bonuses of the players, which blight any morale in the camp of these boys.
The alleged plan to boycott the match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Les Blues of France at 2014 FIFA world cup held in Brazil, did not only drag the name of the country into mold, but also dampened the good morale, late coach Stephen Keshi has been able to sustain in the camp of the team.
With numerous controversies and inconsistencies in the glass house, there are needs to take every drastic steps in order to restore the lost glory of our darling team.
Photo Credit: IBTimes UK, Rovesciate and MTNFootball.
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