Former Golden Eaglets standout Festus Odini has lauded FIFA’s recent announcement to transform the Under-17 World Cup into an annual tournament.
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Festus Odini, who played a very important role in Nigeria’s triumphant campaign during the 1993 edition of the tournament, believes that this new initiative will significantly benefit Nigerian football development at the youth level.
“I think that new development from FIFA is going to be a good one.
I think it’s a good one. It will help us to build our football on that age group tournament.
So I think it will make us be on our toes, knowing that it’s a yearly thing now. I think it’s a good one.”
Odini’s endorsement of FIFA’s decision highlights the potential positive impact it could have on Nigerian football, particularly in nurturing talent and fostering competition at the youth level.
By making the Under-17 World Cup an annual event, FIFA is providing a platform for young players to showcase their abilities on the global stage more frequently, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of football in Nigeria.
As one of the country’s former youth football stars, Odini’s perspective carries weight, and his optimism regarding the implications of this change resonates with many in the football community.
With Nigeria’s rich history of success in youth tournaments, including five Under-17 World Cup titles, the prospect of an annual competition presents an exciting opportunity for the nation to further solidify its position as a powerhouse in youth football.
As FIFA’s initiative takes shape, all eyes will be on Nigeria to capitalize on this new era of increased youth competition and continue producing the next generation of footballing stars.
