Former Super Eagles coach and FIFA instructor Adegboye Onigbinde has called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to invest in grassroots football development to strengthen the country’s footballing future.
He believes that a lack of focus on local talent is hindering progress and limiting the potential of Nigerian football.
Concerns over declining grassroots football
Speaking in an interview with Completesports.com, Onigbinde lamented the decline of grassroots football scouting, which once served as a reliable pathway for young players to progress into the senior national team.
According to him, Nigerian football used to thrive on the discovery and nurturing of local talent, but that tradition has gradually faded.
“The days when players were scouted from local competitions and developed into top professionals are gone,” he said. “To truly advance football in this country, we must go back to building a solid development programme.”
Call for NPFL clubs to nurture local players
Onigbinde also criticised the approach taken by clubs in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), urging them to invest more in scouting and developing homegrown players rather than relying on already established stars.
“We need people who are dedicated to identifying and nurturing local players,” he stressed. “A strong football culture begins with structured development, and without that, we will struggle to produce top-quality players consistently.”
He argued that a well-organised development system would not only benefit NPFL clubs but also provide a stronger pool of talent for the Super Eagles.
With proper training and investment in young players, Nigeria could produce more footballers capable of excelling on the global stage.
The need for a clear football development strategy
Onigbinde emphasised the importance of long-term planning in football, warning that without a structured approach, Nigeria risks falling behind other nations.
He believes that a national strategy focusing on grassroots competitions, school tournaments, and youth academies is crucial for sustained success.
His comments come at a time when Nigerian football faces increasing scrutiny over its inability to consistently produce world-class players from the local league.
Many top Nigerian footballers now emerge from European academies, rather than rising through domestic ranks.
A path forward for Nigerian football
To address these challenges, Onigbinde suggested that the NFF should establish a nationwide scouting network and work closely with local coaches to refine young players’ technical skills.
He also advocated for stronger partnerships between NPFL clubs and grassroots academies to create a steady pipeline of talent.
Ultimately, Onigbinde’s message is clear: if Nigeria is to reclaim its status as a football powerhouse, it must return to its roots and invest in developing local talent.
Without a renewed focus on grassroots football, the country risks losing its rich footballing heritage.
