Former Nigerian international, Nduka Ugbade has emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to move beyond raw talent and make deliberate investments in football development and infrastructure.
According to Ugbade, talent alone is no longer sufficient to compete at the highest level of global football. He stressed that Nigeria must focus on structured development that transforms talent into sustainable value and performance.
“The truth is that talent is no longer enough. We must develop our talents to make them profitable and effective for use. That is the only way we can truly achieve success,” Ugbade said.
He pointed to Morocco and Senegal as clear examples of countries that have taken intentional steps toward football growth through long-term planning and infrastructure development.
“Morocco didn’t get here overnight. Look at what they are doing in terms of facilities and overall development. Even players based abroad contributed massively to their success at the last World Cup, and they are still expected to do well going forward,” he noted.
Ugbade also highlighted Senegal’s progress, particularly in hosting international tournaments and building world-class facilities.
“Morocco is hosting tournaments, they have world-class stadiums, and they are even hosting the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. These events bring massive development roads, lighting, infrastructure everything improves.”
He warned that hosting major tournaments like the FIFA World Cup requires serious preparation beyond football.
“It’s not just about football. When the time comes, over one million people will be visiting the country. Without proper infrastructure and security planning, it could become a hub for insecurity.”
Also read: Super Eagles Progress Excites Udi, Calls for New Contract for Eric Chelle
Ugbade concluded by urging Nigeria to learn from successful African models, invest in infrastructure such as roads, stadiums, and training facilities, and adopt a long-term development strategy that will make Nigerian football both competitive and attractive on the global stage.
“We must copy what they are doing stadiums, roads, development so our football can also become beautiful and sustainable.”
Nduka was part of the Nigerian team that won the AFCON in 1994 in Tunisia.
He captained Nigeria to the 1985 FIFA U16 World Championship in China making him the first African to lift a FIFA world trophy.
