Nearly every national team (or club team) in the world has experienced
a time when their football is almost perfect and their players are of
the highest quality. During that period, they are referred to as
having a golden generation.

In football, a golden generation is a period where a team is filled
with exceptionally gifted group of players of nearly similar age,
whose achievements are expected to reach a level of success beyond
that which their team had previously achieved. A common example is the
Spanish national team of squad of 2008-2012. With talented players
like Xavi, Alonso, Iniesta, Ramos, Busquets and Villa they were able
to win 3 consecutive major titles, including their only world cup
title. What about Nigeria, have we ever had a golden generation
before? The answer is a resounding yes!
During 1994-1998, Nigeria had the most majestic squad Africa has ever
seen. With extremely talented players like Jay Jay Okocha, Yekini,
Keshi, Finidi George, Amuneke and Nwankwo Kanu, Nigeria was able to
win the Afcon, qualify for the world cup, win the olympics and
unbelievably rank 5th in the Fifa World Ranking. These achievements
are unimaginable today. But is it possible that the Super eagles are
capable of reproducing another team as good as the 1994 set? I
strongly believe so and I am also certain it is imminent, and here's
why.



First of all, before any golden generation is born, a foundation has
to be laid. And that foundation is a successful and productive youth
team. For example the barca youth team (8arca B), prior to the
Barcelona golden generation of 2009-2012, had just won the Segunda
division title. Even before Nigeria's 1994 set, the golden eaglets had
won the Under 17 world cup in 1993. Of recent, the golden eaglets has
on the under 17 title in 2013 and 2015 (and it was a hit back to
back). With this recent level of success at our youth teams, you can
expect the national team to peak soon enough.

Another reason is the quality of players present. Every golden
generation has a group of players playing at the top level for top
clubs. For instance, Ivory coast set of 2006-2015 had quality players
like, Drogba, The Toures, Gervinho, Eboue, Tiote and Bony. The key
players in our recent Under 17 victores, coupled with some equally
talented youngsters, has led to Nigeria having an amazing group of
players, playing at the top level. Kelechi Iheanacho is a respected
City player, Iwobi is a boss at a Arsenal and likewise for, Awaziem,
Ndidi, Alampasu, Moses Simon, Success and Nwakali. Not that, these
players all play for top European clubs and are of similar age bracket
(18-22). It would be be wonderful to see all these awesome players in
one line up, wouldn't it?.


Hindrances to the future golden generation.

There are two major hindrances to Nigeria's future golden generation.
The first is the NFF and their brouhaha. From not paying the players
they match bonuses to the incessant power tussle, there is just so
much trouble there, and it can affect the Super Eagles.
The second is the coaching problem. If we are to develop into a great
footballing nation, we need a good coach to manage the players and
take us to the top. A coach that won't be pressured by the supremos or
who doesn't understand the players.

I know that many Nigerian soccer lovers have given up on the Super
eagles, but remember that there is hope for us to be proud fans again.
The day will come when we will jubilate and proudly shout UP SUPER
EAGLES! I am certain that, that day is imminent and you should also
be.

Thanks for reading.

Originally Written By Nwokolo Collins Michael


cc: semid4lyfe honeric01 lalasticlala TheSuperNerd Safarigirl thegoodjoe joseph1013

Nice write !

Will we ever get there??..

I pray that day comes faster than expected.

yes we can