Nigeria celebrated its 64th Independence this week, with many  looking at the various developmental aspects of the economy. 

However, Box 18 will be looking at only football, not general sports. More so, because this week, the Gusau Administration in NFF  marked its second year anniversary in office . As they enter the second half of their reign, and the country takes a step to her 65th year as a an Independent country. it is very critical we have a retrospective look at football development in the country, and project into the future. 

Football has a rich history spanning over 64 years in Nigeria. This is filled with moments of triumph, heartbreak, and unfulfilled potential. From the country's first international match in 1955 to the present day, Nigerian football has experienced a rollercoaster ride of emotions.

Nigerian football has a rich and storied history that stretches back more than six decades. Since gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria has grown to become a global force in football, particularly on the African continent. The journey, however, has not been without its challenges. As we reflect on Nigerian football 64 years after its formal entry into international competitions, it is essential to examine the gains made, the pains endured, and the expectations moving forward.

 Box 18 will delves into the highs and lows of Nigerian football, examining the factors that have hindered its growth and the prospects for future success.

Football was introduced to Nigeria by British colonialists in the early 20th century, but it quickly became more than just a pastime. By 1945, local clubs had begun to spring up, and in 1949, Nigeria fielded its first national team, which toured the United Kingdom. However, it wasn’t until the 1960s, following independence, that the country officially participated in organized international football.

In 1963, the Nigerian Football Association (now the Nigeria Football Federation or NFF) was admitted to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). Nigerian football began its professionalization journey in the following decades, culminating in several significant achievements.

Nigeria's football journey began on May 16, 1955, with a 2-0 loss to Ghana. The country's early football development was marked by amateurish administration and limited resources. 

Despite these challenges, Nigeria qualified for its first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 1963.

The 1970s to the 1990s saw the emergence of Nigeria's golden generation. Players like Christian Chukwu Segun Odegbami, Muda Lawal, and Stephen Keshi led the country to its first and second AFCON titles in 1980 and 1994. Nigeria also qualified for its first World Cup in 1994.

Nigeria's football stock rose significantly in the 1990s and early 2000s. The country won three Olympic medals within the period a gold medal in 1996, a silver medal in 2008 and a bronze in 2016. It also reached the Round of 16 at the 1994 and 2014 World Cups. The Super Eagles, Nigeria's national team, became a force to be reckoned with in African football. The Under 17 won the FIFA World Cup trophy for that cadre  five times within the period. 

Nigeria's football fortunes declined in the mid-2000s due to poor maldministration, corruption, and lack of investment. The country failed to qualify for the 2015 AFCON, and the World Cup in 2022, prompting a need for rebuilding process.

Nigeria has achieved considerable success on the global stage, particularly through its national teams. One of the most iconic moments in the country’s football history came in 1994 when the Super Eagles (Nigeria’s senior national team) qualified for their first FIFA World Cup. Not only did they qualify, but they also left an indelible mark by advancing to the Round of 16, where they narrowly lost to Italy. Nigeria's FIFA World Cup participation became a consistent occurrence, with the team appearing in six editions between 1994 and 2018.

The crowning moment for Nigerian football came in 1996 when the national men’s football team, known as the Dream Team, won the gold medal at the Atlanta Olympic Games. This victory made Nigeria the first African nation to win gold in men’s football at the Olympics, cementing the country’s place in football history.

The Nigerian women’s national team, the Super Falcons, has been equally, if not more, dominant in African football. Since the inception of the African Women’s Championship (now the Africa Women Cup of Nations) in 1991, the Super Falcons have won the title a record 11 times. They have also consistently qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, reaching the quarterfinals in 1999 and twice qualified for the second round. 

The domestic football scene in Nigeria, particularly the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL), has seen significant growth. While the NPFL faces its share of challenges, the league has served as a talent pool for nurturing local players who have gone on to play in top European leagues. Notable players like Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, and more recently, Victor Osimhen, all started their careers domestically before moving to Europe.

Grassroots football development has also become a focus area in recent years, with the establishment of football academies across the country. These academies play a crucial role in identifying and nurturing young talents who could potentially become future stars.

Despite these progress, Nigerian football faces numerous challenges topmost are :
 Inadequate stadiums, training facilities, and equipment hinder player development, 
embezzlement and mismanagement plague the NFF and state football associations, Insufficient funding limits grassroots development and talent identification, frequent changes in NFF leadership and coaching staff disrupt continuity.

 There is a need to Invest in modern stadiums and training facilities. Ensure transparency and accountability in football administration. Establish programs to identify and nurture young talent. Attract sponsors and partners to support football development.

There is a need to establish a national football development plan. Increase private sector investment in football. Strengthen football administration and governance. Develop programs for coach education and player development. Enhance fan engagement and spectator experience.

With a concerted effort to address its challenges, Nigerian football can achieve greatness, especially as  it enter into its sixty fifth years as an Independent country. CONGRATULATIONS NIGERIA FOOTBALL. It can always be better.