Former Flying Eagles player Peter Nieketen has congratulated newly appointed Flying Eagles coach Abdu Maikaba while urging him to focus strictly on quality and merit in player selection.
Speaking on the future of Nigeria’s U-20 team, Nieketen advised the coach to pay close attention to grassroots football as he begins building his squad.
“You must search properly,” he said.
According to the former youth international, Nigeria possesses enough talented young players capable of helping the Flying Eagles compete strongly if the right scouting process is followed.
“The quality is there,” he implied.
Nieketen stressed that only players capable of delivering results for the country should be selected for the national team.
“Only the best legs should play,” he noted.
He also issued a strong warning against allowing sentiments, favoritism, or quota systems to influence squad selection.
“Sentiment has not helped us,” he added.
For the former Flying Eagles player, merit-based selection remains essential if Nigerian youth football is to recover from recent disappointments.
“You must pick on quality,” he stressed.
Nieketen believes proper scouting and fair opportunities can help Nigeria rediscover its reputation for producing top young footballers.
“We can rebuild strongly,” he said.
The Flying Eagles have faced increasing scrutiny in recent years following inconsistent performances and qualification struggles.
For Nieketen, the message is clear.
Focus on merit.
Ignore sentiments.
And select the best players available.
Because successful youth football is built on quality, discipline, and fairness.
