Former Nigerian international, Duke Udi has adviced that a coach with a developmental track record should be brought in for the under 20. The Under 20 national team head coach role is now vacant, with the NFF looking for a new gaffer.
Udi mentioned that the Under 17 and under 20 set up are meant to groom players for the national team, and they’re not specifically there just to win on a consistent basis.
“The under 17 and under 20 are developmental stages in football. It’s not about winning, it’s how to produce for the under 23 and national team, that’s the essence of under 17 and under 20. But in this part of the world, in africa here, we’re focused on winning and forget to develop. So, we should get a coach who is experienced in developing players, they should look at his track record, not just bring anyone”, the former forward said
He then explained based on his premise, that whoever is coming in should have a track record in player development, and should be able to groom the players for the national team.
“Someone who’ll teach the kids how to develop, in terms of mentality, preparedness, skills, and cohesion. To teach them how to play for the super eagles, how we want them to play for the national team. Because every nation has a playing pattern, and the super eagles have one too”, Udi added.
