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Former Super Eagles winger Emmanuel Amuneke and former international Etim Esin have called on the Nigeria Football Federation to make grassroots football development a top priority after the nation’s unsuccessful attempt to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, as reported by The PUNCH.

Amuneke expressed that the NFF should prioritize identifying talent from the grassroots instead of depending entirely on players based overseas.

“I progressed through the ranks beginning from youth football and played for a club during my schooling due to the chance provided by the late coach Yemi Tella,” Amuneke stated.

“Why can’t we concentrate on scouting talent among the youth at the grassroots level? Nigeria possesses players; we haven’t lacked in talent, they merely require the proper environment and the backing of football authorities.”

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Esin, who played for Nigeria in the 1987 FIFA World Youth Championship, mentioned that improved facilities would help narrow the divide between local and foreign players.

“Everyone from my generation emerged from grassroots and local leagues. The perception that foreign players outperform those based at home stems from the better facilities available to them abroad,” Esin noted in an interview with The PUNCH.

“If the NFF can provide players in Nigeria with the quality of facilities and the level of attention and coaching that players overseas receive, then the nation can produce an abundance of talent.”

Danish FIFA scout and former footballer Denni Conteh acknowledged the physical strengths of Nigerian players but pointed out certain areas that require enhancement.

“Nigerian athletes possess a great deal of determination. They are physically robust, fast, and agile. What they need is improved tactical understanding, appropriate positioning, and foundational skills such as first touch,” Conteh told The PUNCH.

“There ought to be a greater number of players prepared to step up. Many exhibit valuable skills but lack the essential basics, and if they acquired those, a larger pool of players would elevate the national team’s quality. Both the government and relevant organizations must prioritize constructing infrastructure that supports their growth.”

Nigerian teams have had significant success, particularly with the impact of youth players, as Nigeria continues to hold the record for the highest number of U-17 World Cup victories with five, while Nwankwo Kanu played a vital role in securing Olympic gold at the age of 19 in 1996.

Currently, Nigeria has missed qualification for the last two U-17 World Cups and has not participated in Olympic football since 2016, where they achieved a third-place finish.



PunchNg Newspaper