In a significant policy shift, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has imposed a ban on players born abroad and those affiliated with foreign teams from participating in the Nigeria U-17 team.
NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau announced that only players based in Nigeria, actively engaged with local academies and youth teams affiliated with league sides, will be eligible for selection at the U-17 level.
The decision underscores the NFF’s commitment to nurturing and developing talent within the local football ecosystem.
President Gusau emphasized that player selection for the Nigeria U-17 team will be revamped, with a primary focus on a youth tournament conducted across various zones in Nigeria.
“Starting now, players who wish to represent Nigeria at the U-17 level must be actively involved in local academies and youth teams affiliated with our league sides,” stated President Gusau. “This approach ensures that we identify and nurture talent within our grassroots football structure.”
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To streamline the selection process, the NFF will organize a U-17 developmental tournament in different states, providing a platform for talented young footballers to showcase their skills.
President Gusau urged stakeholders and communities to encourage their young players to participate in these local tournaments, emphasizing that this will be the sole avenue for identifying prospects for the U-17 team.
“We will not consider any player for invitation to Abuja without their active participation and recommendations from the local tournament,” President Gusau added, reinforcing the NFF’s commitment to a more inclusive and grassroots-focused approach to talent identification and development.
This move aligns with the broader objective of fostering homegrown talent and promoting the growth of football at the grassroots level in Nigeria.
The NFF’s emphasis on local tournaments and engagement with academies reflects a strategic shift toward developing a robust foundation for Nigerian football at the youth level.
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