If there is anyone who is more deserving and equipped enough to handle our Underage teams (U17 and U20), then one name will always come to mind, Ugwu Jay Uchechukwu, a man who is built for talent discoveries and nurturing, whom Amaju Pinnick’s led NFF must meet.
Ugwu Jay Uchechukwu, who hails from Afikpo LGA in Ebonyi State is a deserving candidate to handle the position of our fading underage teams if being given a chance, as his records speak for all to see.
The amazing gaffer who started coaching in 2004 is no stranger to winnings, as he has achieved numerous accolades, like LSFA Samsung Championship in 2011, Nsuka LGA Chairman’s Cup in 2012, C.Woremann Championship in Enugu in 2012, NSPL (Surulere Regional League), 20 teams, 2012 runner up, won the championship in 2013, 2014 and 2015, won the NLO Pre Season tournament twice (in 2017 and 2018), helped the junior team, Liqui moly, gain promotion to the NLO 2 in 2021, as well as so many other grassroots tournaments won.
He also discovered the superb left-back Okon Samuel, who went on to lift the FIFA U17 World Cup, with the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho and co, in 2013 In Dubai. Tijani Samson, who captained the Nigerian U17 Team at the World Cup, was also found out by the amazing tactician, as well as so many unending lists of players, who were discovered by him.
Looking at the current situation of our underage teams in most tournaments, it’s no more news that the teams (U17 and U20) have been performing below standards and below the expectations of football-loving Nigerians.
Despite being the highest winners of the FIFA U17 World Cup (5 times), the Golden Eaglets have failed to continue the momentum, as they haven’t won the trophy since they last won it in 2015, which is a big blow, regarding their high standards in the competition.
For the U20 team, popularly known as the Flying Eagles, having won seven (7) U20 African Championships, it may sound funny to many Nigerians, who might not still believe that they haven’t conquered the world yet, just like the Golden Eaglets, despite their high standards in African Football.
Being the proclaimed “Giants of Football” in Africa and one of the best football talents in the world, many are still wondering why our Underaged teams aren’t performing anymore like they used to do in previous years.
The likes of Okocha, Kanu, Mikel Obi and the rest were all discovered from the Grassroot, as well as the current shinning light of players who are making us proud in their respective club sides, Kelechi Iheanacho, Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze, and so many others, were all discovered from the Grassroot.
Our Underaged teams could bounce back again, if given the right management and tactician, and there is no better option than the master tactician and the Underaged and Grassroot developmental coach, Ugwu Jay Uchechukwu, whom Amaju Pinnick’s led NFF must meet.
If being given the honor to handle our Underaged teams, Nigerians should rest assured that our Grassroot football will not only rise but also our football in general.
, then one name will always come to mind, Ugwu Jay Uchechukwu,){kind=link}