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Ex-Nigeria international and former head coach of the U-17 national team, Nduka Ugbade has argued that there isn’t a defined or adopted style of football in the Country.
Speaking on “No Holds Barred with Ifeanyi Udeze” on Brila FM, Ugbade identified the glorification of individual brilliance, something similar to Brazil’s jogo bonito.
“Nigeria doesn’t have a specific football philosophy, but what we can say we have ordinarily is the Brazilian style of football where individuals are creative and strong reflecting our national characteristics.
“Our food makes us strong and active, and we are fast. However, we haven’t developed the intelligence and comprehensive information that Brazil has, that makes them outdo every nation on the planet until recently – that every nation is learning it.“
The former Coach also gave his assessment on Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He admits that the Team’s chances are slim, but not entirely lost.
“The chances for our qualification for the 2026 World Cup are very slim,” Ugbade said. “But in every difficulty, Nigeria always finds a way to do something.”
“The only chance we have is to win all our matches, both home and away; against Lesotho, Rwanda, and especially South Africa.
“We have to beat them in South Africa. With a reasonable mind, I know all things are possible, but the truth is, I don’t think South Africa will want to leave their position to Nigeria.”
Ugbade emphasized his hopes for Nigeria’s qualification: “I’m a Nigerian and I want us to qualify for the World Cup. Everything we can do to qualify I hope we do it to qualify, but, the truth is I don’t think South Africa will lose two or 3 matches.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru in action for Nigeria.
