By Olukayode Olumuyiwa.
As the Super Eagles continue to carry the hopes of Nigerian football fans, a growing chorus of voices is demanding sweeping changes to the country’s football ecosystem. Critics argue that Nigeria’s dreams of World Cup glory remain distant without a robust framework for talent discovery and development, pointing to the need for a radical overhaul led by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and government support.
Nigeria’s football infrastructure has long been criticized for its inefficiencies, with the nation’s vast resources failing to translate into consistent success on the global stage. Unlike football powerhouses such as France, Germany, and Spain, which revitalized their programs through strategic investments in youth development and world-class facilities, Nigeria’s football system remains stuck in what some describe as a “kill and divide” era. These countries, observers note, turned their fortunes around by building structures with foresight, such as France’s Clairefontaine National Football Institute, a model that Nigeria could emulate. Germany established its Nachwuchsleistungszentren to regain its champion status.
“The Super Eagles are holding us together, but our youth teams—U17, U20, U23—are at rock bottom,” said the prominent football administrator. “We can’t keep celebrating mediocrity. The current NFF leadership is an improvement over past regimes, but they’re falling short in talent development and player development. We need a proper Talent Development Center (TDC) staffed by competent, corruption-free professionals.”
This push for a TDC echoes long-standing advocacy from stakeholders like Austine Akpehe, the CEO of Hunan Galaxy Global Trade and a seasoned football development expert. Akpehe, who founded Galaxy Sports Academy in 2014 to scout and nurture talents across Nigeria and beyond, has penned multiple write-ups in recent years, urging the federation to mirror European successes by establishing a dedicated talent development system. Drawing from his decades of experience in Europe and currently in China, Akpehe has emphasized grassroots scouting and international training exchanges as game-changers for Nigerian football.
Calls for such reforms have intensified, with suggestions that Nigeria send administrators to study successful models in Europe. Germany, for instance, famously adopted elements of France’s system to fuel its 2014 World Cup triumph. A TDC in Nigeria, experts argue, could streamline talent identification and provide a clear pathway for young players to reach the senior national team. Who won’t see how coaches endowed with youth football development expertise would directly become tied to the NFF for a long period if the NFF sets up a TDC? So many benefits await the NFF, too.
The NFF’s leadership has also faced scrutiny for its handling of accountability and transparency. Former NFF Chairman and General Secretary were once active on public platforms, engaging directly with fans and stakeholders to clarify issues. However, their departure from these spaces—allegedly prompted by postings of their legal challenges from critics like Harrison Jalla—has raised questions about their openness to criticism. “If you’re confident in your leadership, you don’t shy away from tough questions.” “Embracing criticism is how you grow, even if sometimes it is not constructive.”
The appointment of Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has also come under the spotlight. Insiders suggest the NFF missed an opportunity to mandate that Chelle present a developmental plan as part of his role, potentially including contributions to a TDC. “He could have easily studied how France, Germany, or Spain built their systems,” he noted. “Our coaches have a responsibility beyond just the senior A team.”
Football in Nigeria is more than a sport—it’s a tool for nation-building, capable of uniting communities and offering opportunities to millions of youths. Yet, without significant investment in infrastructure and a commitment to accountability, the dream of lifting the World Cup remains elusive. “We’re not asking for magic. We’re asking for structure, vision, and action. Nigeria has the resources—let’s use them.”
The NFF has yet to respond to these latest calls for reform, but with the Super Eagles still a beacon of hope, the pressure is mounting. As stakeholders keep “All Eyes on the NFF,” the nation waits for a bold step toward a brighter football future.
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