Former Olympic Eagles and Rangers International defender, Ndubuisi Ndah, has criticized goalkeeper trainers for the ongoing struggles in the Super Eagles’ goalkeeping department and recommends more effective talent scouting, Completesports.com reports.
Ndah, currently the Head Coach of Nigeria National League side FC One Rocket, expressed his disappointment at the inability of the national team’s coaches to secure a strong number-one goalkeeper, considering Nigeria’s vast talent pool.
The 1996 Olympic gold medallist emphasized that since the era of iconic goalkeepers like Peter Rufai, Ike Shorunmu, Aloy Agu, and Vincent Enyeama, the goalkeeping department of the Super Eagles has faced persistent challenges.
Also Read – EXCLUSIVE: Playing For Super Eagles My Dream Not Togo — Orban
In his assessment, Ndah believes that the goalkeeper trainers have failed to scout and nurture talent effectively, resulting in a significant drop in goalkeeper quality.
“In my opinion, since Enyeama’s departure from the Super Eagles, we haven’t found a goalkeeper of his caliber or those who preceded him, like Ike Shorunmu, Peter Rufai, or Agu. I don’t believe we’ve come close to matching their level,” Ndah told Completesports.com during an exclusive chat in Uyo recently,
He added: “It’s not for a lack of talent; the issue is our failure to identify and nurture these talents. We need to dig deeper to discover promising goalkeepers and provide them with opportunities to gain experience.”
Ndah highlighted that Nigeria’s abundance of talented goalkeepers exists within the NPFL and even the NNL, underscoring the need for a more inclusive scouting approach.
Also Read – EXCLUSIVE: Shorunmu Urges Nigerian League Goalkeepers To Believe In Themselves For National Success
“The problem lies with the goalkeeper trainers of our national team. They need to start looking within and selecting the best talents available,” he stressed.
Ndah’s comments reflect growing concerns about the state of Nigerian goalkeeping and the necessity for a proactive approach to address these issues.
By Chigozie Chukwuleta
8 Comments
THE PROBLEM OUR GOALKEEPER TRAINERS HAD IS THAT THEY LOOK FOR WHO PAY BRIBE FIRST BEFORE THE GOALKEEPER WILL BE INVITED.
THEY DIDN’T SAY TRUTH IN PRESENTING GOOD THE ONES TO THE HEAD COACH.
THEY ARE BRIBE-TAKING AND SENTIMENTAL GOALKEEPER TRAINERS.
However they wanna spin it – Uzoho is not the one….Nor be him load abegi!
Thank you Mr. Nda for spitting out the real truth on corrupt faces. Ww’ll keep saying the truth.
Uzoho is not a national team material. You can’t be warming the bench in a below top 30 league and be forming #1 for SE.
Sloppy Uzoho has caused so much pains for the team than any other player. Poor positioning for Mahrez goal and Wcup elimination. Sleeping on duty to spill Essien weak attemp to ruin Wcup hopes.
This is the time for the handlers to move away from calamity Uzoho and his corrupt agent in the nff.
Enyeama was playing for Enyimba and only needed a single Wcup match (against England) to announce himself wnd overcome complexity to become a global brand. Carl Ikeme stood for the team in tough matches.
There are younger GKs that are actively playing for better leagues but corruption will not let them in.
Uzoho or any bench warmer should be made to understand that SE is not a rehabilitation center.
What is the reason for not giving opportunity to promising GKs like Ejeheri, Osagwe, Atubolu, Prince Adegoke,and Arthur Okonkwo.
A serious and dedicated coach will never invite bench warmers into the Super Eagles.
Thanks bro. Great contribution!!
#Larry, point of correction; It was Akpei not Uzoho in our goalpost when Mahrez scored that free kick in previous AFCON. Uzoho can do better, agreed, but for now let’s encourage those we have. Cheers!
The Super Eagles has no problems with Goalkeepers. Uzoho is one of the best African Goalkeepers. Okoye is also great. Adeleye is trying.
Do you even think before you type? Or you just type out of your ass**
I wonder that someone could say there is no problem in goalkeeping unit of SE team, when its glaringly seen that multiple problems are militating against the success of SE. Shalom!