Former Eaglets Coach Faults Preparation, External Pressure in Youth Team

Former Eaglets Coach Faults Preparation, External Pressure in Youth Team

By BSN Sports 

Former Golden Eaglets head coach John Obuh has attributed Nigeria’s recent struggles at the U-17 level to inadequate preparation and persistent external interference in team affairs.

Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament that also serves as a pathway to the FIFA U-17 World Cup, extending concerns over the country’s declining fortunes in youth football.

Obuh stressed that appointing experienced coaches alone would not resolve the issue, insisting that success at the youth level depends on a well-structured and consistent preparation process.

“Bringing back coaches like Amuneke, who have previously succeeded with the team, is not the problem. What matters is the level of attention and support given to them,” he said.

“If the team is properly managed and prepared with a clear focus on results, success will follow.”

The veteran coach also raised concerns about undue influence in player selection, pointing to interference from agents and football administrators.

“There are too many interruptions in the selection process today. Many individuals want specific players included, and issues such as nepotism and tribal considerations come into play,” Obuh stated.

He called on coaches to assert their authority and select players strictly on merit, free from external pressure.

“We need coaches who can take responsibility and stand by their decisions. A coach should be able to say, ‘This is my team—if I fail, then I can be held accountable.’ Unfortunately, many are influenced by those who appointed them,” he added.

Obuh warned that the lack of accountability within the system often leads to blame-shifting when results fall short, ultimately undermining progress.

Drawing from his experience, the former coach reiterated that giving technical crews full autonomy, backed by proper preparation, remains essential to restoring Nigeria’s dominance in youth football.

Obuh notably guided Nigeria to a runner-up finish at the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup, one of the country’s standout achievements at the youth level.