By Paul Akhagbemhe

In response to growing concerns over the decline of Nigeria’s youth football programs, the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) has called for a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to revive grassroots and age-grade football in the country.

 

Speaking in reaction to NFF President Ibrahim Gusau’s recent remarks about the poor performances of Nigeria’s youth teams, YSFON President, Dr. Nasir Gawuna, stated that a genuine collaboration between both bodies is urgently needed to restore Nigeria’s status as a powerhouse in youth football.

 

“To build a sustainable and viable football system, Nigeria must prioritize grassroots development by investing in youth leagues, football academies, and school competitions,” Dr. Gawuna said.

“YSFON has deep-rooted experience and presence in all states, and we’re ready to work with the NFF to scout, train, and nurture the next generation of football stars.”

Dr. Gawuna’s call comes on the heels of a disappointing string of performances from Nigeria’s youth teams:

• The U-20 men’s team, the Flying Eagles, crashed out in the Round of 16 at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.

• The U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, suffered a 4-1 loss to Canada in their opening match of the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, raising serious questions about preparedness and talent development.

• The Golden Eaglets, Nigeria’s U-17 boys, failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup, after losing to Ghana in the semi-finals of the 2025 WAFU-B Cup—a defeat that also ruled them out of the U-17 AFCON in Morocco.

 

These outcomes have triggered nationwide concern, with many stakeholders—including former African Footballer of the Year, Emmanuel Amuneke—blaming poor planning, political interference, and lack of a clear developmental roadmap.

 

“Nigeria still has raw talent, but without proper developmental effort, those talents will never flourish,” Amuneke stated recently.

YSFON, founded with a core mandate of grooming young talent through organized youth competitions and school-based tournaments, believes the solution lies in harnessing its established structure across Nigeria’s 36 states and FCT.

 

The organization says it is committed to working alongside the NFF to build a comprehensive youth football ecosystem—from early scouting and coaching to elite-level training and international exposure.

 

“We need sincere collaboration and endless positive efforts to create a pool of talents that can return Nigeria to greatness in youth football,” Dr. Gawuna added.

 

YSFON’s National Executive Committee and its technical team have pledged full support to the NFF and urged all stakeholders to put aside politics and focus on reviving the dreams of millions of young Nigerians who see football as a pathway to success.

 

As youth football continues to struggle, this proposed partnership between YSFON and the NFF may well be the key to unlocking the country’s footballing future.