Former youth international Loveday Omoruyi has called for a sweeping rethink of Nigeria’s talent-development philosophy, insisting that the nation must start trusting its young players with bigger responsibilities — just as the world’s leading football nations are doing.
Omoruyi pointed to the example of Spain’s 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, who played a decisive role in their recent success despite his age. He said Nigeria has the same level of gifted youngsters but has consistently held them back due to outdated beliefs about age and readiness.
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“Lamine Yamal is 17 and already carrying Spain. Why can’t we trust our own?” Omoruyi asked, stressing that age should not be a barrier when talent and maturity are clear.
He recalled how Victor Osimhen, now one of the world’s most feared strikers, dominated at youth level yet was not immediately integrated into the Super Eagles simply because he was considered “too young.” That hesitation, he argued, is part of a longstanding pattern that has cost Nigeria valuable development time.
According to Omoruyi, the national team must start looking inward, especially toward home-based talents who rarely get genuine opportunities.
“We must give more chances to our home-based players. It may be tough at the beginning, but the long-term gain will be huge,” he said.
He believes Nigeria’s football ecosystem is overflowing with potential, but progress will remain slow unless the country reorients its mindset toward trust, development and continuity. He argued that bold decisions today will produce national-team stability, stronger squads and a clearer identity in the future.
Omoruyi’s message is unmistakable:
The next generation is ready — if only Nigeria will let them play.
