NFF Technical Director, Austin Eguavoen he is not comfortable with the number of Academy Players in the Nigeria U20 MNT.

Eguavoen stated that it is not acceptable, however, he understands that not many NPFL or NNL clubs have players in the age bracket.

“For me, I am not too comfortable with under-20 players still playing for academies, I’m not too comfortable with that, but be that as it may, there are not many teams in the country anymore, due to whatever I don’t know.

“I remember playing for the Flying Eagles then I was playing for Insurance ACB. Siasia, Diepriyie and co were in Julius Berger. We playing in the Flying Eagles, we were already playing in teams. You cannot be playing in the under 20 and still be playing in academies, it is not acceptable.”

“Like I said, yes, we don’t have enough teams, but I think these players should be playing in premiership teams, worst-case scenario, NNL and then they can have serious match fitness, and week-in-week-out they have competitive tournaments to compete in.

“Be that as it may, Bosso has confidence in the team, and I think we have a very good chance. But the first game in every tournament is key, and once you cross that first hurdle, I think going into the next two other games, you’ll go in with very high confidence.”