Former Golden Eaglets midfielder Joshua Daniel has delivered a scathing evaluation of the state of youth soccer in Nigeria, describing the present scenario as “a disaster that has gone from dangerous to worse” following the nation’s failure to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup for the second consecutive version.
Daniel, who represented Nigeria at youth stage, stated the event isn’t solely embarrassing however a transparent warning signal that the foundational construction of the nation’s soccer system is collapsing.
Talking with palpable frustration, Daniel lamented {that a} nation as soon as celebrated as the worldwide benchmark for youth soccer—boasting a document 5 U-17 World Cup titles—is now struggling to even take part. He urged authorities to cease the cycle of excuses and confront the basis causes head-on.
In line with him, Nigeria’s historic dominance at youth stage was by no means unintended however the product of strong scouting, rigorous improvement programmes, and a real dedication to nurturing younger expertise.
Daniel argued that failure to seem at two consecutive tournaments indicators deeper systemic points. “One thing is essentially mistaken when a nation with our expertise pool can’t even qualify,” he stated.
He blamed poor planning, lack of funding, administrative distractions, and insufficient grassroots constructions for the decline. “You can’t count on success when there isn’t a clear pathway for younger gamers. We’ve got to overtake your entire system—not tomorrow, however now,” he harassed.
The previous Golden Eaglets star additionally known as for the rapid revival of youth leagues nationwide, stronger college sports activities competitions, and complete expertise identification programmes that attain even distant communities. He emphasised that youth soccer should return to being a precedence, not an afterthought.
Daniel warned that with out swift and deliberate motion, Nigeria dangers dropping its long-standing id as a powerhouse in world youth soccer.
He urged the authorities to make decisive reforms, saying the nation owes it to the hundreds of thousands of younger skills whose desires rely upon a functioning developmental system.
