NFF’s Missteps Could Derail Golden Eaglets’ AFCON Dreams

The Nigerian Football Federation NFF will bear the entire responsibility should the Golden Eaglets fail to secure a spot in the 2024 U17 African Cup of Nations AFCON. Under the leadership of Ibrahim Gusau, the federation has severely neglected the necessary preparations for the WAFU B U17 AFCON qualifying tournament in Ghana. The decision to delay appointing Manu Garba as head coach and the mishandling of the MRI Age Test has further hindered the team’s readiness.

Just days before the qualifiers, it emerged that 18 out of the 35 players who underwent the age verification test were disqualified. This left only 17 players available for selection, most of whom were initially reserves. The federation has yet to publicly confirm these numbers, leaving their credibility in question amidst attempts at damage control.

This situation starkly contrasts with the preparations of other teams. Hosts Ghana and Burkina Faso, Nigeria’s first opponent in Group B, have advanced their training efforts in Russia and Turkey, respectively. This disparity showcases the NFF’s broader pattern of inadequate planning and poor decision making, which has been evident in other areas such as the prolonged process of appointing a new coach for the Super Eagles. The current NFF administration’s handling of these crucial elements falls short of the expectations and needs of Nigerian football.

Editorial

We, as followers and supporters of Nigerian football, find ourselves once again questioning the operational competence of the Nigerian Football Federation NFF. With the Golden Eaglets’ potential failure to qualify for the upcoming U17 AFCON, the blame squarely falls on the federation’s shoulders. This is not merely a matter of bad luck or unfortunate circumstances; it is a result of systemic failings that have characterized the current NFF administration under Ibrahim Gusau.

The preparation or the lack thereof of our young Eaglets is a glaring example of how not to manage a national team. While other countries have been meticulously planning and training, our team has been left to grapple with administrative hurdles and inadequate preparation time. This not only undermines the team’s morale but also their ability to compete on the African stage, where they once dominated.

We must demand better. The future of Nigerian football relies on the foundation we lay today for these young talents. If we continue on this path, we risk not only the immediate success at tournaments but also the long term development of our national sport. The NFF must overhaul its approach, prioritize efficient management, and uphold a standard of excellence that matches the passion and potential of our players. Anything less is a disservice to the nation and to the game we all love.

Did You Know?

1. The Golden Eaglets won their first U17 World Cup in 1985, setting the stage for their future successes in youth football.
2. Nigeria holds the record for the most victories in the U17 World Cup, with five titles 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013, 2015.
3. The MRI Age Test, which has been a significant hurdle for the Golden Eaglets, is used to verify the ages of players by scanning their wrists to assess bone growth.
4. Burkina Faso’s U17 team has been preparing in Turkey, a country known for its high-altitude training facilities, which are ideal for enhancing athletic performance.
5. Ghana, the host nation for the WAFU B tournament, has won the U17 AFCON twice, highlighting the competitive nature of the region in youth football.