Collins Edwin FC of Lagos coach, Uchechukwu Ugwu (aka Jay Uche), who stressed that the next Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles’ squads should start taking shape immediately, in order to stand better chances of winning the trophies at stake.
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With ripples still rolling over Nigeria’s inability to qualify for the last FIFA under-17 and under-20 championships, a charge has gone to officials of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to start preparations for next year’s editions.
This is against the backdrop of observations among football zealots that the Eaglets and Flying Eagles both failed to qualify for the FIFA U17 and U20 World Cups, respectively, due to late commencement of their preparations.
He, however, pointed out that even the Super Eagles are currently in dire straits and in doubt of picking a ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
With the next Cadet and Youth Mundials already set for Qatar and Chile, respectively, next year, Ugwu buttressed the need for early proactive steps from the NFF.
“How early are they going to be mandated to start working on the next set of age grade national team players. These teams should not be left hanging in the balance.
“They should mandate the coaches on how to go about scouting for players. Once they start the preparations early, we can stand a better chance of qualifying.
“The players have to be in camp, and they need to do the MRIs on time. They need to prepare both locally and internationally for the next tournaments.
“If not, the same thing that happened this year, and has been happening of recent, will continue to happen. There is no magic in it.”
Coach Uche spoke further about the intricacies of modern football, which he said have made the youth competitions harder to win, hence his charge for the NFF to set early preparations in motion for Qatar 2025 and Chile 2025.
“Football has gotten to the extent that you must not underestimate or underrate anybody. People acquire knowledge every day, they improve every day, and youths emerge every day everywhere in the world.
“So, the boys that are better prepared are the ones that best succeed. It’s as simple as that.
“That’s why I think this NFF board really have to wake up to their responsibility. As it is now, even the Super Eagles are in disarray, and we are not 60% sure that we are going to be in the World Cup in 2026.
“It’s a situation that is not funny. As it affects the head, it trickles down and bothers those of us at the grassroots,” Ugwu submitted.
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