Amuneke: Developing African talent important when planning football’s future

●Former Super Eagles star says competition can drive development

●Encourages calendar changes to have positive impact on African football

By Taofeek Babalola

Former Super Eagles winger Emmanuel Amuneke has said that educating African young players and preparing them for the future is the key in a new reform for the future of football.  

The former Barcelona star, who was a member of Nigeria’s squad that reached the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup in 1994, wants a reform of the international match calendar to allow more players from Nigeria – and across Africa – to play on the highest stage.

Players have been asked for their input to a wide-ranging review on football’s future, with expertise also being sought from other stakeholders across the sport. Nothing is decided for the schedule after 2024 and FIFA has welcomed diverse views and a debate in order to optimise the calendar for all involved, giving a broader cross-section of the world’s talent the chance to shine.

“Football is continuously evolving and changing,” Amuneke said.  “I think the only way we Africans can do better is by going back and developing our players. It is true that we have a lot of great players playing in Europe, doing very well but, of course, we also have to think about those playing in the country, how we can aid them to become much better players and how we can develop them.

“I have always believed that in football, when a player is more knowledgeable about the game, his decision-making becomes much better. I think educating our young players and preparing them for the future is the key. Over the years, people have said ‘Africa is going to win the [FIFA] World Cup’ and I agree but we cannot win the World Cup just by talking. We have to develop the young generation and lay foundations for the young ones to be in a position to be able to compete.”

Amuneke noted the stress that global stars are under in terms of intercontinental travels and the needs for players to have rest periods in order to optimise the performance.

“I think that period of resting for the players is key,” adds Amuneke. “And in the calendar, if there is a way to fix that, it’s a welcome development that can aid the clubs and the national teams.”