Former Golden Eaglets midfielder Joshua Daniel has delivered a scathing assessment of the state of youth football in Nigeria, describing the current situation as “a crisis that has gone from bad to worse” following the country’s failure to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup for the second consecutive edition.
Daniel, who represented Nigeria at youth level, said the development is not only embarrassing but a clear warning sign that the foundational structure of the nation’s football system is collapsing.
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Speaking with palpable frustration, Daniel lamented that a country once celebrated as the global benchmark for youth football—boasting a record five U-17 World Cup titles—is now struggling to even participate. He urged authorities to stop the cycle of excuses and confront the root causes head-on.
According to him, Nigeria’s historic dominance at youth level was never accidental but the product of solid scouting, rigorous development programmes, and a genuine commitment to nurturing young talent.
Daniel argued that failure to appear at two consecutive tournaments signals deeper systemic issues. “Something is fundamentally wrong when a nation with our talent pool cannot even qualify,” he said.
He blamed poor planning, lack of investment, administrative distractions, and inadequate grassroots structures for the decline. “You cannot expect success when there is no clear pathway for young players. We have to overhaul the entire system—not tomorrow, but now,” he stressed.
The former Golden Eaglets star also called for the immediate revival of youth leagues nationwide, stronger school sports competitions, and comprehensive talent identification programmes that reach even remote communities. He emphasised that youth football must return to being a priority, not an afterthought.
Daniel warned that without swift and deliberate action, Nigeria risks losing its long-standing identity as a powerhouse in global youth football.
He urged the authorities to make decisive reforms, saying the country owes it to the millions of young talents whose dreams depend on a functioning developmental system.
