Former Nigeria international Loveday Omoruyi has proposed a structural shake-up in Nigerian football development, suggesting that experienced coaches like Daniel Ogunmodede should be entrusted with leading youth teams to build a stronger pipeline of talent.

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Omoruyi believes that Nigeria must rethink how it develops players, particularly by strengthening its youth systems and ensuring a smoother transition from grassroots to the senior national team.

“We need better structure,” he emphasized, pointing out that the current system does not fully maximize the country’s vast talent pool.

According to him, assigning capable coaches to handle teams like the Flying Eagles (U-20) and the U-23 side would create a more organized pathway for identifying and nurturing players, especially those based in the domestic league.

“Let them discover talents locally,” he suggested, highlighting the importance of tapping into homegrown potential.

Omoruyi also addressed the role of players from the diaspora, arguing that they should not be rushed directly into the senior team.

Instead, he believes these players, many of whom are developed in European youth systems, should first be integrated into Nigeria’s youth teams, where they can gain experience and gradually grow into the senior squad.

“Let them develop properly,” he implied.

For Omoruyi, this approach would not only strengthen the national team but also create a more balanced and sustainable system.

By blending domestic and diaspora talent through structured development, Nigeria can build a stronger foundation for long-term success.

His proposal comes at a time when calls for reform in Nigerian football are growing louder, particularly following recent disappointments on the international stage.

For many, the solution lies in investing in youth development and creating clear pathways for progression.

As Nigeria looks to rebuild, ideas like Omoruyi’s offer a blueprint for the future.

Because in football, success is not just about finding talent.

It’s about developing it the right way.

The post ‘Let Youth Coaches Lead’ : Omoruyi Proposes New Structure — Wants Ogunmodede To Drive Talent Development appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Nigeria Premier Football League side El-Kanemi Warriors FC have paid glowing tribute to former head coach Aliyu Zubairu as he marks his birthday,on April 1.

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Elkanemi praised his immense contribution to the club’s recent successes during his stay at the club from 2023 to 2025.

In an official statement released by the club’s media department, the Maiduguri-based outfit expressed pride and appreciation for Zubairu’s achievements during his time in charge.

“On behalf of the management, technical crew, players, and supporters of El-Kanemi Warriors FC, we celebrate you today with great pride and appreciation,” the statement read.

Zubairu, who led coach of Nigeria’s U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, tp the last FIFA World Cup was instrumental in the resurgence of El-Kanemi Warriors.

He led the club back to the top flight and capped the achievement with victory in the President Federation Cup, one of the most prestigious honours in Nigerian football.

The club highlighted his leadership qualities and commitment, noting that his impact continues to resonate within the team.

“You have made us proud by leading our great club back to the NPFL and crowning it with the remarkable achievement of winning the President Federation Cup. Your dedication, leadership, and passion for the game continue to inspire everyone connected to this team,” the statement added.

El-Kanemi Warriors further expressed gratitude for his service and voiced optimism for continued success in his coaching career.

“We are grateful for your hard work and commitment, and we look forward to even greater successes under your guidance. Wishing you long life, good health, and continued prosperity, Super Gaffer.”

The statement was signed by the club’s Media Director, GAGA, who concluded by wishing the highly respected tactician a memorable birthday celebration.

Coach os presently with Telecom SC a second division side in Egypt on a two year contract.

The post El-Kanemi Warriors Celebrate Former Coach Aliyu Zubairu on Birthday appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Super Eagles’ coach, Eric Chelle’s decision to make several second half substitutions after starting with six changes to his line-up for Tuesday’s international friendly with Jordan back fired massively, as the Nigerian squad toiled all through the match and eventually settled for a 2-2 draw.

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Sports247 reports that Chelle had already been forced into three replacements from the squad that won 2-1 against Iran in their first match on Friday, as goalkeeper Maduka Okoye bowed out with injury in training, while left-back Bruno Onyemaechi and central defender Semi Ajayi both left camp due to personal reasons.

Dramatically, Chelle decided to tinker his team further, as he dropped captain of the side, Wilfred Onyinye Ndidi and mercurial midfielder, Alex Iwobi to the bench and gave a debut in attack to Belgium-based Yira Sor agead of Samuel Chukwueze.

However, things started looking ugly for the Franco-Malian tactician and his squad as early as the 17th minute, when alternate keeper Francis Uzoho failed to stop Jordan’s well-worked cheeky free kick from distance and the Eagles had to battle from behind against the ‘hosts.’

Paris FC of France winger, Moses Simon justified wearing the captain’s band for the evening in Antalya, Turkey as he slotted home a crucial equaliser with a pop shot through a swarm of legs in the 26th minute, which spurred the Eagles back into the game.

Glasgow Rangers of Scotland centre-back, Emmanuel Fernández also justified his first start for Nigeria by ramming home a goal in the 42nd minute of play, and the Eagles went into the break 2-1 up; only for Chelle to commence a massive overhaul of his line-up at half time.

The second half turned into a struggle, despite the introduction of Ndidi and 98-capped Iwobi in midfield as they failed to settle down fast, while the arrival of Adebayo Adeleye in goal turned out to be another blunder.

The game turned on its head when Adeleye misjudged his positioning and rushed off his line but failed to stop the ball, which allowed Jordan to equalise, only for Iwobi to get himself sent off after jumping on an opponent who tackled him hard.

That was just two minutes to the final whistle and the ref ended the game seconds after finally getting a restart in the wake of confusion that ensued from Iwobi’s rash reaction, leaving Chelle to rue where he got his team selection wrong on the night in Antalya.

The post Eric Chelle’s Experimentation Back Fires In 2-2 Draw With Jordan appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.