Former Super Eagles midfielder, Duke Udi has expressed deep concern over the dwindling state of local football development in Nigeria.
He attributed part of the problem to the reluctance of ex-footballers to take up coaching roles.
Udi warned that the lack of involvement from former players is stifling the growth and threatening the future of the sport in the country.
Speaking wit Brila.net he highlighted the contrast between Nigeria and other nations, where former footballers contribute through coaching and administrative roles.
“We should think about it in the sense that those who played football should not run away from coaching. That is one aspect I have to hit on,” Udi said.
“If you look at the ex-South African players, everything about football in their country is being run by former players. In the coaching aspect, you see them involved — they love coaching, and they are giving back to the game by helping the next generation.”
Meanwhile in Nigeria, however, Udi lamented that most former players are “running away” from coaching, leaving a void in the system.
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This trend, he argued, has allowed individuals with little or no football experience to take up critical roles in the sport, ultimately hindering the league’s progress.
“Here, our ex-footballers are running away from coaching. So who is going to do the job?
“Who will make the league improve when these ex-internationals, who are supposed to bring back their experience from Europe to help back home,” Udi stated.
The former midfielder emphasized that the expertise and experience of ex-players are crucial for nurturing young talent and raising the standard of the NPFL.
