Former Eaglet Babajide Ogutuwase advises Country’s Football Federation on way forward for national team development

Coach Babajide Oguntunwase

By Rasheed Adewuyi

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has been advised to promote the present U-17 squad to the Flying Eagles to allow continuity and stability in the country’s national teams in future.

Former Golden Eaglets forward Babajide Oguntunwase who gave this advice in an interview with Sports Joust disclosed that the Flying Eagles will perform better if the present Golden Eaglets are given automatic promotion to the junior national team.

” This is why the European and South America teams are doing well in all competitions. I think we should also emulate their style for the betterment of football in Nigeria. I don’t think there’s anything wrong in letting this U-17 squad graduate to the U-20 and the Super Eagles in the future ” he said.

He added “Without being told, it is very obvious that there will be cohesion and understanding in a team that stays together for a long time. All the NFF need to do is to replace players who failed to meet up to the required standards in the camp.

On the chances of the Golden Eaglets qualifying for the world cup at the ongoing U-17 Africa cup of nations in Algeria, Oguntunwase said he believes that the Nigerian flag bearers will pick one of the world cup tickets to represent Africa at the U17 world cup in Peru.

“The truth about major tournaments is about winning your first match which the Eaglets have been able to achieve. This victory will surely boost their morale ahead of their next match. I think they stand a chance to progress to the next round.”

Nigeria tamed the Junior Chipolopolo of Zambia by a lone goal in their Group B opening match on Sunday. Morocco and Nigeria are leading group B with 3 points each, while Zambia and South Africa have no point.

Four countries will qualify to represent Africa at the U-17 world cup in Peru from November 10, 2023 to December 10, 2023.