In an exciting development for U.S. youth soccer, Michael Nsien, a Nigerian-American coach, has been appointed as the new head coach of the U.S. Under-19 Men’s Youth National Team (U-19 MYNT).
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This appointment underscores U.S. Soccer’s commitment to cultivating talent from diverse backgrounds and providing them with the opportunity to thrive within its youth national program.
Nsien’s journey with U.S. Soccer began in November 2022 when he took charge of the U.S. Under-16 Men’s Youth National Team (U-16 MYNT).
During his tenure, Nsien led the team to an impressive 4-1-1 international record, securing victories against formidable opponents such as England, Japan, Nigeria, and Wales. His contributions to youth player development did not go unnoticed.
In addition to his role as the U-19 MYNT head coach, Nsien is set to lead the U.S. Men’s PanAmerican Team at the 2023 PanAmerican Games in Chile.
This prestigious event offers a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills and serves as a crucial step for those aspiring to represent their country at the 2024 Olympics.
Nsien brings a wealth of coaching experience and holds both a U.S. Soccer Pro License and a UEFA “A” License. Before joining U.S. Soccer, he achieved remarkable success as the head coach of FC Tulsa in the USL Championship. Under his guidance, the team enjoyed its most successful period, including back-to-back playoff appearances in 2020 and 2021.
Hailing from Nigeria, Nsien’s coaching journey began in his hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma. As the Youth Academy Boys Director and Elite Team coach at Tulsa Soccer Club, he won eight state championships from 2010 to 2018.
Nsien’s coaching prowess helped more than 100 players transition to college soccer. His involvement in the Olympic Development Program allowed him to identify promising talents for Youth National Team selection, MLS academies, and European tours, contributing to the professional success of numerous athletes.
Nsien expressed his enthusiasm about the appointment, highlighting the importance of combining education with sports. He said, “Working for U.S. Soccer and helping to grow the game in this country has been an incredible opportunity.
I’m excited to move up to the U-19 MYNT to continue helping young players reach their full potential. We have a deep, talented pool of players in this country, and I’m excited to help them put on a strong performance at the upcoming PanAmerican Games.”
Michael Nsien’s appointment reflects U.S. Soccer’s dedication to fostering talent from various backgrounds and providing them with the coaching and support needed to excel in their soccer careers. His Nigerian heritage adds to the diversity of voices shaping the future of U.S. youth soccer development.
