Andrew Uwe, a former Super Eagles central defender and Germany-based coach, has raised concern over the dearth of opportunities for young Nigerian football players at the grassroots level to thrive, unlike in the past.
Uwe, who captained the Flying Eagles to a bronze medal victory at the 1988 FIFA World Youth Championship in the Soviet Union, praised Nigeria’s previous sports administrators for doing a good job in ensuring that a player like him from a poor background had opportunities to excel at the youth level and progress to the senior national team, Super Eagles, saying the opportunity he had in the past is rare this time around.
“As a player from a disadvantaged family, I had many opportunities; everything was offered both in the National Team and at the Club level at Leventis, where I formerly played, from excellent referees to salaries and uniforms, which were all available to players back then.
Coaches were hired on merit, and players were chosen based solely on national interest and professionalism, both of which are lacking in our current system,” Uwe stated.
Uwe, now a German Elite License and UEFA B License coach, told journalists on the sidelines of the ongoing Gombe State Inter-Secondary Schools football competition, Principal’s Cup, where he hopes to scout emerging talents for a professional football career, that he is determined to help aspiring Nigerian footballers advance in their careers.
“I want to contribute back to society by sharing my experience and zeal, as well as providing opportunities for others to flourish like I did in the past.
