Anytime any underage team misses the world cup, the cost is usually bigger than the disappointment of missing out or the backlash from Nigerian football fans.
The golden eaglets lost 2-1 to Burkina Faso at the 2023 AFCON U17 in Algeria. The team could not get back into contention despite having more than 20 shots at goal.
Counting the cost:
The misses translate to each player in the squad missing out on the opportunity to showcase their talent in front of a global scouting audience that usually throngs the FIFA U17 world cup in search of the next big star.
International scout Yemi Daniel Olanrewaju feels the job of ensuring their career progression Is now harder.
“The world cup is the biggest platform any player in his career could play. It’s so devastating that the boys will not make it to the world cup this year. However, when a player goes to the world cup and a club tends to look at them, they tend to put a price tag on them instead of at the nations cup or WAFU. Now most of these players will be going on trials instead of a direct contract when they turn 18.”
The world cup is not an automatic route, but it makes it easier.
Golden EagletsWorld Cup and Transfer Fees:
Attending a world cup can sometimes add value to the price a player could go for in the transfer market. A proper show gives the agent a bargaining advantage, with many suitors competing for special talent.
As against the usual practice of going for trial due to the absence of a proper youth league or missing out on a tournament, attending the world cup can shorten the distance to a career at a top club in Europe.
After missing out on the 2013 FIFA U17 world cup, Emmanuel had to go to Ukraine first before finally landing in England, compared to Kelechi Iheanacho, that went straight to Manchester City in the English premier league.
Golden Eaglets- Longer Route to Europe:
The world cup can also ease the terms of transfer for African players.
Yemi is a member of the international professional scouting organization, IPSO UK, talent ID, and a first-team scout.
He insists all is not dark and gloom for the golden eagle class of 2023 as they, alongside their agents, can still achieve a breakthrough.
“So they have to bounce back stronger. it’s now left to their academy or managers to keep them busy, keep playing matches and get good videos. The good news is that they have caught the attention of a few scouts, and this is the right time for their managers to propose them.”
A whole set of U17 teams missing the world cup can also deny them a transition to the U20, and some may never find their feet in Europe with early retirement due to a lack of opportunities.