Why Falcons, Flying Eagles Failed At World Cups

Princely Nwanfor

Princely Nwanfor

FIFA licensed agent Princely Nwanfor in this interview gives reasons the Super Falcons and the Flying Eagles crashed out of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the U-20 World Cup respectively.

Why do you think Nigerian footballers are not rated well in the transfer market?

Our boys are not being sought after because they blossom at the wrong age. Before they can make meaningful impact they’re already at the wrong side of football age. Can you compare the likes Ox Chamberlain, the Alcantara brothers, the Harry Kanes and our players who are of the same age with them? Most of them are still with amateur clubs scattered all over the country. Then ask yourself how many clubs will want a player who is in his late 30s?

Princely Nwanfor
Princely Nwanfor

Do you think the Super Eagles can qualify for AFCON 2017?

I am very positive that they will qualify. I’m sure Stephen Keshi has learnt his lesson and will be ready to right his wrongs. He’s better equipped now.

Do you think Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has done enough to prepare our various national teams for major tournaments?

The NFF has consistently failed in getting the right preparation for the national teams for major tournaments. It’s usually the same fire brigade approach with strange and bizarre tales.

Why do you think the Super Falcons and the Flying Eagles failed to perform at the Women World Cup in Canada and the U-20 World Cup in New Zealand?

As far as I am concerned the Super Falcons should have done better, they have the zeal, the youthfulness and the potentials to go beyond the group stage. They are the African champions, but they’re naive with their defending. Precious Dede is a wonderful goalkeeper but she always struggles with crosses as you can see with the cheeky goals the team conceded in their first match. And I don’t think the girls were properly psyched. Like the Falcons the Flying Eagles should have gone further than the stage they crashed out. It was down to a bit of ill luck and power play. I think Kelechi Iheanacho should have played more rather than warming the bench. He was part of Manchester City’s U-19 team that played in the U-19 UEFA Champions League and won their entire group matches.  For me not using him backfired and made the coach unpopular. He is our biggest name and the brightest so far. The coach should take all the blames because the boys are good and
could have done better.

Has the NFF also done enough in terms of developing the sport at the grassroots level?

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There’s no platform for football development in our country. NFF officials are shortsighted and myopic and have continually neglected grassroots football which accounted for our footballers developing and blossoming late. No real football academies, no serious primary and secondary school competitions organised by the NFF, where talents can be hunted. The NFF has failed to encourage or even recognise the few existing grassroots teams in the country.

How would you score the current administration of the NFF?

The Amaju Pinnick-led board is trying but has not taken any bold step.  This board has not differentiated itself from the past NFF. I suggest that Pinnick-led NFF should be radical and step out of the shadows.

What is your take on the Nigeria professional league?

Professional league? Apart from DStv showing some matches, nothing much has changed. Our league is in shambles. It is a league where players are not protected; no good contracts. A player can be dumped without pay and if he eventually finds another club, the former club will suddenly appear with claim for clearance. Players are being owed salaries for months, even years. A league, where a coach is hired and fired without regard to contracts.

Do you think high flying Ifeanyi Uba FC can pick a continental ticket, if yes, why?

Yes it is possible, because they’re trying to run the club professionally. Currently, the owner of the club is building a mini stadium for the club. I remember the team embarking on a pre-season tour to Grecce where they sold some of their players.

Why do Nigerian teams perform poorly on the continent?

The rate our players travel out in quest of greener pastures is alarming. I think because of the poor treatment at home, these players have no choice than to go abroad. This is affecting our league as it does not attract the best in the country.

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