Ex-Eagles star Ogedegbe to mentor young footballers

• U-12 tourney ends in Lagos
United States-based ex-international, Nathaniel Ogedegbe, has opened a window of opportunity for young Nigerians to profit from their football skills.

Ogedegbe was the captain of St Finbarr’s College before he was selected for the first U-20 national team, and later drafted to the then Green Eagles, alongside former coach of the Super Eagles, the late Stephen Keshi, and Henry Nwosu. Afterwards, Ogedegbe was recruited from Nigeria to join the U.S. men’s soccer programme in 1981.

Back in the country, the former international and some other top football personalities, yesterday, gathered at Sonibare mini stadium in Surulere, Lagos, to watch young players display their skills at the second edition of Nathaniel Ogedegbe U-10/12 football tournament.
The tournament, featuring eight young football teams, will end today.

Speaking with The Guardian, Ogedegbe stated that he decided to float the U-10/12 football tournament as a way of giving back to the society.

“I nursed this idea for about 20 years before I finally came up with the first edition last year in Ajegunle,” he said.

“There are many football academies in Nigeria, but this competition is tailored towards having a consistent philosophy in our youth football system.”

I am not in Nigeria to steal anybody’s academy; I am here simply to enhance the system for better results the way it is done in developed societies.

“I won’t be able to do it alone. I need support from various corporate organisations to achieve good results.”

The seven-a-side youth tournament is divided into two categories. The U-10 category, which held between December 7 and 8 and the U-12 sides, which runs from December 17 and 18.

Ogedegbe said the competition offers young footballers in Nigeria the opportunity to showcase their skills, learn from each other and develop passion for the sport.

“I have set up a website already, and we have a team of qualified coaches to track the education and football progress of the young players,” he stated.

Ogedegbe, who is the Director of NOSF-Flawless Soccer in Virginia, United States, stated that he is ready to assist the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in whatever capacity in the development of young footballers “if my services are needed.”

On Ademola Lookman’s achievement at the 2024 African Footballer of the Year awards, Ogedegbe said: “This will go a long way in encouraging younger generation of footballers.

“I have watched Ademola Lookman played, and I am so happy for his achievements so far. He is a Nigerian, and his progression in football shows something was done right in his early days,” Ogedegbe stated.