Amongst these successful Nigeria under 17 team, which will you consider the greatest? ??
A. 1985
B.1993
C.2007
D.2013.

Feel Free To Add Your Voice.. ...

The 1993 team was spot on. No wonder the core players in that team also formed the nucleus of players that won the Atlanta Olympic Gold medal.

Kanu, Oruma, Babayaro, Oparaku on my mind.

You can also say they are successful by the number of them that went on to progress to the Super Eagles and represent the country at the highest level - The World Cup.

For the later teams we still waiting.

For individual brilliancy, I will give it to the 1993 squad but for complete team football I give it to the 2013 squad who average at least 2 goals a game..

Am I sports on??

Daninya11:
For individual brilliancy, I will give it to the 1993 squad but for complete team football I give it to the 2013 squad who average at least 2 goals a game..

Am I sports on??

Completely agree

Daninya11:
For individual brilliancy, I will give it to the 1993 squad but for complete team football I give it to the 2013 squad who average at least 2 goals a game..

Am I sports on??

Seems you didn't watch the 1993 team. The team scored 14 goals in the group matches and conceded none. Australia (2-0), Canada (8-0) and Argentina (4-0).

Going on to win all the remaining knock out phases 2-1 each.

In all they scored 20 goals conceded 3, an average of 3.3 goals per match.

The team was a total team, the best Nigeria ever had in any age group competition, from defence to midfield to attack, a total unit. Strength, speed and skills "all join".

No wonder few of them went on to greater heights both at home and abroad.

axeman10:


Seems you didn't watch the 1993 team. The team scored 14 goals in the group matches and conceded none. Australia (2-0), Canada (8-0) and Argentina (4-0).

Going on to win all the remaining knock out phases 2-1 each.

In all they scored 20 goals conceded 3 an average of 3.3 goals per match.

The team was a total team, the best Nigeria ever had in any age group competition, from defence to midfield to attack, a total unit. Strength, speed and skills "all join".

No wonder few of them went on to greater heights both at home and abroad.

Brilliant statistics

axeman10:


Seems you didn't watch the 1993 team. The team scored 14 goals in the group matches and conceded none. Australia (2-0), Canada (8-0) and Argentina (4-0).

Going on to win all the remaining knock out phases 2-1 each.

In all they scored 20 goals conceded 3, an average of 3.3 goals per match.

The team was a total team, the best Nigeria ever had in any age group competition, from defence to midfield to attack, a total unit. Strength, speed and skills "all join".

No wonder few of them went on to greater heights both at home and abroad.

Wao, they were also a brilliant squad. .from your analysis, they defended better than the 2013 squad judging from the number of goals they conceeded. from the statistics, the 2013 scored the most goals. .
The beauty of the 1993 squad was the continuity, were the bulk of the team transited to the Olympic team and won gold and ended up in the Super Eagles as you rightly said earlier on.
I was not oppurtuned to watch the 1993 squad but I was oppurtuned to watch some of their matches. My dad still have a video tape of the game against Ghana.. Great squad I must say. .

axeman10:


Seems you didn't watch the 1993 team. The team scored 14 goals in the group matches and conceded none. Australia (2-0), Canada (8-0) and Argentina (4-0).

Going on to win all the remaining knock out phases 2-1 each.

In all they scored 20 goals conceded 3, an average of 3.3 goals per match.

The team was a total team, the best Nigeria ever had in any age group competition, from defence to midfield to attack, a total unit. Strength, speed and skills "all join".

No wonder few of them went on to greater heights both at home and abroad.

Sir, please share with us the little you know about the 1985 squad. . Thanks

Daninya11:


Sir, please share with us the little you know about the 1985 squad. . Thanks

I'ld say I became an ardent football follower just around the 1986 world cup. The 1985 tournament came to many as a surprise and due to the fact that it was in far away China, the time difference didn't help either.

But the fond memories, the highlights and the final which was beamed live was something to cherish.

The likes of Victor Igbinoba (who scored an incredible television goal- NTA sports couldn't stop showing clips of that goal for years after); Jonathan Akpoborie, Captain Nduka Ugbade, Fatai Atere (If I remembered correctly a street was named after him in Lagos) and Goalkeeper Lucky Agbonsebafe? - can't remember the spelling.

Some of them progressed to the disastrous under 20 world cup in Chile after so much promises and hypes. Etim 10 Esin, Adeolu Adekola come to mind.... Story for another day.


Also worthy of mention was the Canada 1987 team. Though they came second, we stayed up to as early as 2am to watch their matches.

The likes of Dimeji Lawal, Phillip Osondu, Peter Ogaba, Angus Ikeji (a very handsome goalkeeper back then), Oladunni Oyekale, Taiwo Eneagwa, Christopher Nwosu, Bawa Abdullahi and Baba Jibrin- a fine defender.

axeman10:


I'ld say I became an ardent football follower just around the 1986 world cup. The 1985 tournament came to many as a surprise and due to the fact that it was in far away China, the time difference didn't help either.

But the fond memories, the highlights and the final which was beamed live was something to cherish.

The likes of Victor Igbinoba (who scored an incredible television goal- NTA sports couldn't stop showing clips of that goal for years after); Jonathan Akpoborie, Captain Nduka Ugbade, Fatai Atere (If I remembered correctly a street was named after him in Lagos) and Goalkeeper Lucky Agbonsebafe? - can't remember the spelling.

Some of them progressed to the disastrous under 20 world cup in Chile after so much promises and hypes. Etim 10 Esin, Adeolu Adekola come to mind.... Story for another day.


Also worthy of mention was the Canada 1987 team. Though they came second, we stayed up to as early as 2am to watch their matches.

The likes of Dimeji Lawal, Phillip Osondu, Peter Ogaba, Angus Ikeji (a very handsome goalkeeper back then), Oladunni Oyekale, Taiwo Eneagwa, Christopher Nwosu, Bawa Abdullahi and Baba Jibrin- a fine defender.

Sir, thanks for sharing..
Some names amongst the aforementioned stands out. .
Nduka Ugbade - assistant coach to Manu Garba, great tactician and a high achiever. .
Jonathan Akpoborie - one of the overhyped striker in Nigeria. I didn't get to see much of him.. I remember vividly some of the goals he scored against Eritrea in a Qualifiers. . Wel known for his criticism on Nigeria football which does not depite negativity..
Demeji Lawal-we usually call Him Amejimeji lawal. can't forget the goals he scored against the USSR.. Wonderful guy aired when NTA was NTA. ..
Etin Esim - some said he was better than okocha. I never watched any of his clips..
I don't know any thing about the remaining guys...
Wao, lovely memory..
Thanks for sharing. .

following

enomakos:
following

Make I follow you back....

Daninya11:

Make I follow you back. ..

Etim was as good as they come. He had great skills, ball control, bullet shots and a very good ball juggler. Just like Okocha. I believe his style was more direct and more purposeful than Jay-Jay. But he lacked the discipline to manage the little success he had.

He was treated like a 'god' and compared to Maradona, one of the richest young footballers then...he broke camp rules in the build up to Chile '87 and was shot by armed robbers. He should have been dropped for the world cup, but highly influential people and even ordinary fans rooted for him - that was how good he was.

Like Jay-Jay, he was drafted straight into Super Eagles displacing more established stars right after stints in the under 20s.

The rest is history. To me, the difference between Jay-Jay and Etim 10 was off-field discipline and success management which separates a successful talent from a not too successful talent.

axeman10:


Etim was as good as they come. He had great skills, ball control, bullet shots and a very good ball juggler. Just like Okocha. I believe his style was more direct and more purposeful than Jay-Jay. But he lacked the discipline to manage the little success he had.

He was treated like a 'god' and compared to Maradona, one of the richest young footballers then...he broke camp rules in the build up to Chile '87 and was shot by armed robbers. He should have been dropped for the world cup, but highly influential people and even ordinary fans rooted for him - that was how good he was.

Like Jay-Jay, he was drafted straight into Super Eagles displacing more established stars right after stints in the under 20s.

The rest is history. To me, the difference between Jay-Jay and Etim 10 was off-field discipline and success management which separates a successful talent from a not too successful talent.

Sir, I must confess that I am really learning from you, I have learnt a lot from you. You are one of the finest sports analyst on Nairaland..
Wao, so he was really very good. I wonder how our midfield would have been having a stiff competition with the likes of Etim, Okocha and Oruma.I can't fathom why my elder bro prefers Oruma to Okocha in midfield.. lolxxxxx. .
We are closely watching out a Young lad known as Habib Makonjuala who plays for Chelsea U16..He also a very good ball juggler who is also skillful on the ball. He even made the team to the victorious u17 squad in 2013.Manu Garba said of him that if he uses 40%of his skills, he can outshine Jay Jay. . But the Lad is not a team player, he is more of an entertainer. . Lol

Now let me join in this discussion.

I watched all the above mentioned generations of Eaglets. The 1993 and 2013 stand out.
In terms of players with great potentials and quality the 1993 has it. As per team work the 2013 team has it.

I watched the 1985 boys but I was still young then and didn't understand football much. However I rewatched the final against Germany some years after on NTA. Players like Nduka Ugbade, Sani Adamu, Victor Igbinoba, Jonathan Okpoborie and Fatai Atere stood out. Though they won matches bt they were not as dominating as the 1987, 89 and 93 sets. Infact they had to beat Guinea in semis through penalties-in a game that Guinea dominated. In the final too, Germany was doing the playing while Nigeria was doing the scoring.

Worthy of note is also the 1987 Eaglets. Though they lost through penalty shoot-outs to the stars studded USSR Team that also featured Oleg Salenko. Players like Phillip Osundo, Dimeji Lawal, Chris Nwosu, Baba Jubril Babalola and co were stand out players. A highly talented set that went to Saudi in 1989 and lost to a Rui Costa, Luis Figo and Joao Pinto let Portuguese team. Remember also the Damam Miracle? They formed the Nucleus of that team.

Another great group was the 1989 set. Infact they were supposed to be the winners of that 1989 WC if not for the heroics of that tall Saudi Keeper in the Q/Final. Nigeria could only convert one penalty after the game ended 0-0 at FT. That Saudi team went on to win the cup.
Notable players from that talented group were: Victor Ikpeba, Benedict Akuegbu, John Zaki, Olusegun Fetuga, Kayode Keshinro, Precious Monye.

From the 1993 set so many of the squad went ahead to play for the Super Eagles and then big clubs in Europe. Notable among such players: Nwankwo Kanu, Wilson Oruma, Festus Odini, Manga Mohammed, Celestine Babayaro, Mubi Oparaku, Karibe Ojigwe. This set is still seen as the greatest so far. Who can forget that 8-0 bashing of Canada and 4-0 trashing of Argentina at the group stage. Not forgetting also that great West African derby of a final against a star studded Ghana team led by Daniel Ado. Most of the graduates of this set became successful footballers.

The 1995 set was a flop though they were able to get to the Q/Final where they lost to Oman. That team till date was the worst set to have been presented by Nigeria at the U17 World Cup. Notable players were: James Obiorah, Kinsgley Amuneke, Edward Anyankhim, Emmanuel
Nwakire, Sani Abacha, Haruna Babangida, Igineware George.

The 2001 set showed promise. They had a couple of players that had the potential to be great but something went wrong along the line. They lost 3-0 to France in the final. Notable players: Femi Opabunmi, Segun Abiodun, Ayuba, Temile Omonigho, Sunday Mba, Kenedy Chinwo, Akpan Bassey.

In 2003, we had a talented team but was bedeviled with changes in the coaching crew and bad luck. I remember Eguavoen was brought in late to handle the team. They crashed out through a toss of coin at the group stage after Drawing Costa Rica, beating Australia and losing to Argentina side that had Messi, Aguero, Mascherano and some others. Notable players from that crop: John Obi Mikel, Chinedu Ogbuike(Obasi), Emmanuel Sarki, Solomom Okoronkwo, Isaac Promise, Ezekiel Bala, Ambrose Vanzenkin.

In 2007 we thought we had another golden generation since after the 1993 set. A team that bulldozed it's way to win the title that year. Notable Players: Haruna Lukman, Rabiu Ibrahim, Ganiu Oseni, Macauley Chrisantus, Kabiru Akinsola, King Osanga, Matthew Edile, Segun Ajiboye. The players however failed to live up to their post U17 rating and they all fizzled out of the spot light.

The 2009 group took everyone by surprise . After they failed to qualify for the CAN U17 Pundits ruled them out. Infact they featured in the U17 WC because Nigeria hosted. They got to the final and lost to Switzerland. Who can forget that great comeback in the opening game against Germany in Abuja. Coming back from 3-0 down in the first half to finish 3-3. Notable graduates from that talented squad: Ogenyi Onazi, Kenneth Omeruo, Stanley Okoro, Sani Emmanuel, Ramon Azeez, Michael Olaitan, Edafe Egbedi, Omo Ojabu, Olanrewaju Kayode, Abdul Ajagun, Fortune Chukwudi.

The all conquering 2013 group looked too good to be true. Pushing and crushing away oppositions and winning 3-0 both in the semis and final. This has been judged as the next great team after the 1993 set. All the players in this team are worthy of note. However stand out performers were: Kelechi Iheanacho, Musa Mohammed, Taiwo Awoniyi, Musa Yahaya, Chidiebere Nwakali, Chdera Eze, Dele Alampasu and nt forgetting the injured striker Isaac Success. One foreign analyst once said it is as if they play 10-man defense, 10-man midfield, and 10-man attack. All that is left is for us to see how they perform at the U20s.

The 2015 group are the next to enter the history books. They finished 4th at the CAN U17 and book makers are already writing them off. But they should remember that the 2009 set didn't qualify for CAN but later got to the WC final. The team has till September to prepare and make us proud again.

Who can help us with a thread like this for the U20s and U23s?

Icon4s:
Now let me join in this discussion.

I watched all the above mentioned generations of Eaglets. The 1993 and 2013 stand out.
In terms of players with great potentials and quality the 1993 has it. As per team work the 2013 team has it.

I watched the 1985 boys but I was still young then and didn't understand football much. However I rewatched the final against Germany some years after on NTA. Players like Nduka Ugbade, Sani Adamu, Victor Igbinoba, Jonathan Okpoborie and Fatai Atere stood out. Though they won matches bt they were not as dominating as the 1987, 89 and 93 sets. Infact they had to beat Guinea in semis through penalties-in a game that Guinea dominated. In the final too, Germany was doing the playing while Nigeria was doing the scoring.

Worthy of note is also the 1987 Eaglets. Though they lost through penalty shoot-outs to the stars studded USSR Team that also featured Oleg Salenko. Players like Phillip Osundo, Dimeji Lawal, Chris Nwosu, Baba Jubril Babalola and co were stand out players. A highly talented set that went to Saudi in 1989 and lost to a Rui Costa, Luis Figo and Joao Pinto let Portuguese team. Remember also the Damam Miracle? They formed the Nucleus of that team.

Another great group was the 1989 set. Infact they were supposed to be the winners of that 1989 WC if not for the heroics of that tall Saudi Keeper in the Q/Final. Nigeria could only convert one penalty after the game ended 0-0 at FT. That Saudi team went on to win the cup.
Notable players from that talented group were: Victor Ikpeba, Benedict Akuegbu, John Zaki, Olusegun Fetuga, Kayode Keshinro, Precious Monye.

From the 1993 set so many of the squad went ahead to play for the Super Eagles and then big clubs in Europe. Notable among such players: Nwankwo Kanu, Wilson Oruma, Festus Odini, Manga Mohammed, Celestine Babayaro, Mubi Oparaku, Karibe Ojigwe. This set is still seen as the greatest so far. Who can forget that 8-0 bashing of Canada and 4-0 trashing of Argentina at the group stage. Not forgetting also that great West African derby of a final against a star studded Ghana team led by Daniel Ado. Most of the graduates of this set became successful footballers.

The 1995 set was a flop though they were able to get to the Q/Final where they lost to Oman. That team till date was the worst set to have been presented by Nigeria at the U17 World Cup. Notable players were: James Obiorah, Kinsgley Amuneke, Edward Anyankhim, Emmanuel
Nwakire, Sani Abacha, Haruna Babangida, Igineware George.

The 2001 set showed promise. They had a couple of players that had the potential to be great but something went wrong along the line. They lost 3-0 to France in the final. Notable players: Femi Opabunmi, Segun Abiodun, Ayuba, Temile Omonigho, Sunday Mba, Kenedy Chinwo, Akpan Bassey.

In 2003, we had a talented team but was bedeviled with changes in the coaching crew and bad luck. I remember Eguavoen was brought in late to handle the team. They crashed out through a toss of coin at the group stage after Drawing Costa Rica, beating Australia and losing to Argentina side that had Messi, Aguero, Mascherano and some others. Notable players from that crop: John Obi Mikel, Chinedu Ogbuike(Obasi), Emmanuel Sarki, Solomom Okoronkwo, Isaac Promise, Ezekiel Bala, Ambrose Vanzenkin.

In 2007 we thought we had another golden generation since after the 1993 set. A team that bulldozed it's way to win the title that year. Notable Players: Haruna Lukman, Rabiu Ibrahim, Ganiu Oseni, Macauley Chrisantus, Kabiru Akinsola, King Osanga, Matthew Edile, Segun Ajiboye. The players however failed to live up to their post U17 rating and they all fizzled out of the spot light.

The 2009 group took everyone by surprise . After they failed to qualify for the CAN U17 Pundits ruled them out. Infact they featured in the U17 WC because Nigeria hosted. They got to the final and lost to Switzerland. Who can forget that great comeback in the opening game against Germany in Abuja. Coming back from 3-0 down in the first half to finish 3-3. Notable graduates from that talented squad: Ogenyi Onazi, Kenneth Omeruo, Stanley Okoro, Sani Emmanuel, Ramon Azeez, Michael Olaitan, Edafe Egbedi, Omo Ojabu, Olanrewaju Kayode, Abdul Ajagun, Fortune Chukwudi.

The all conquering 2013 group looked too good to be true. Pushing and crushing away oppositions and winning 3-0 both in the semis and final. This has been judged as the next great team after the 1993 set. All the players in this team are worthy of note. However stand out performers were: Kelechi Iheanacho, Musa Mohammed, Taiwo Awoniyi, Musa Yahaya, Chidiebere Nwakali, Chdera Eze, Dele Alampasu and nt forgetting the injured striker Isaac Success. One foreign analyst once said it is as if they play 10-man defense, 10-man midfield, and 10-man attack. All that is left is for us to see how they perform at the U20s.

The 2015 group are the next to enter the history books. They finished 4th at the CAN U17 and book makers are already writing them off. But they should remember that the 2009 set didn't qualify for CAN but later got to the WC final. The team has till September to prepare and make us proud again.

Waoh is Waoh. Sir, you just made the good old day rushing back in full force. I can't forget the 2001 set, with Femi Opabunmi leading the way. I also forgot that Sunday Mba played in that tournament. After beating France in the group stages, I was confident that we will take the day only for us to be trashed silly 3 goals to nothing..
I didn't know much about the Mikel bound team maybe because it was not well publicised but I could remember my elder brother saying that there was a tall Lanky dude who was a good passer of the ball and he was also very composed.

Thanks for sharing sir. I appreciate you..

Daninya11:


Waoh is Waoh. Sir, you just made the good old day rushing back in full force. I can't forget the 2001 set, with Femi Opabunmi leading the way. I also forgot that Sunday Mba played in that tournament. After beating France in the group stages, I was confident that we will take the day only for us to be trashed silly 3 goals to nothing..
[b]I didn't know much about the Mikel bound team maybe because it was not well publicised [/b]but I could remember my elder brother saying that there was a tall Lanky dude who was a good passer of the ball and he was also very composed.

Thanks for sharing sir. I appreciate you..

Mikel, Ogbuike and co featured @ the 2003 U17 Hosted in Finland. Y most people dnt remember was because the team did nt go beyond the group stage. I love that team. 2 Years later they were joined by players like John Owoeri, Taiye Taiwo, Apam Onyekachi, Sani Keita, Adefemi Olubayo, David Abwo and the rest of them to form the U20 team. And they lost narrowly to Argentina again in the final.

Icon4s:


Mikel, Ogbuike and co featured @ the 2003 U17 Hosted in Finland. Y most people dnt remember was because the team did nt go beyond the group stage. I love that team. 2 Years later they were joined by players like John Owoeri, Taiye Taiwo, Apam Onyekachi, Sani Keita, Adefemi Olubayo, David Abwo and the rest of them to from the U20 team. And they lost narrowly to Argentina again in the final.

I can remember sketchingly about the Finland team in 2003,they never went far..
Majority of Nigerian can never forget their exploit in 2005 in Holland. The Berth against Holland in the quarter final which ended in penalties Cannot be forgotten easily..
No thanks to the 2 penalties given to the Argentine and converted by Messi.. the equaliser by Ogbuke was a master class header..
I hope our present squad will bring back home the trophy come June. . Wish them all the luck.

Icon4s:
Now let me join in this discussion.

...Worthy of note is also the 1987 Eaglets. Though they lost through penalty shoot-outs to the stars studded USSR Team that also featured Oleg Salenko. Players like Phillip Osundo, Dimeji Lawal, Chris Nwosu, Baba Jubril Babalola and co were stand out players. A highly talented set that went to Saudi in 1989 and lost to a Rui Costa, Luis Figo and Joao Pinto let Portuguese team. Remember also the Damam Miracle? They formed the Nucleus of that team.

...

The 1987 team was also high up there. The only team that didn't lose to the Russians in open play in the tournament - drawing twice in the group phases and the final (1-1). Only losing on penalties. While the Russians were a free scoring side, with minimum of 3 goals per match - some sides conceded as much as 7 goals or 5 goals.

Oleg Salenko was not in that team but was in the 1989 team - the Dammam Miracle - which we defeated on penalties after going 4-0 down.

Can remember vividly, the reinforced 1987 under 17 team being joined by Mutiu Adepoju, Chris Ohenhen, Sam Elijah, Nduka Ugbade et al under bearded coach Tunde Disu in 1989.

Fond memories. And great analysis by you.

axeman10:


The 1987 team was also high up there. The only team that didn't lose to the Russians in open play in the tournament - drawing twice in the group phases and the final (1-1). Only losing on penalties. While the Russians were a free scoring side, with minimum of 3 goals per match - some sides conceded as much as 7 goals or 5 goals.

Oleg Salenko was not in that team but was in the 1989 team - the Dammam Miracle - which we defeated on penalties after going 4-0 down.

Can remember vividly, the reinforced 1987 under 17 team being joined by Mutiu Adepoju, Chris Ohenhen, Sam Elijah, Nduka Ugbade et al under bearded coach Tunde Disu in 1989.

Fond memories. And great analysis by you.

Talent abound in this great countries of ours..

PROMISING TALENTS MUST GO THROUGH A PROCESS TO BECOME A PRODUCT

Daninya11:


Make I follow you back. ..

welcome

enomakos:
welcome

Na gode...

Icon4s:
Who can help us with a thread like this for the U20s and U23s?

Sir, you have a huge wealth of knowledge about Nigeria football.
Please sir, kindly lead the way.
Thank you..

Daninya11:

Sir, you have a huge wealth of knowledge about Nigeria football.
Please sir, kindly lead the way.
Thank you..

Icon4s:

Lolxxx, you know the rest.

The one that plays a team with their age not a 46yrs Stanley Okoro, or 33 yrs old father of 2 Philip Osondu

omar22:
The one that plays a team with their age not a 46yrs Stanley Okoro, or 33 yrs old father of 2 Philip Osondu

Gaskiya, age cheating is a bane to Nigeria football.
But, with the introduction of the MRI scan having a accuracy rate of 90%,age cheating had been reduced drastically.

The 1985 team which was an U16 tournament not U17 was my favourite because in the final FIFA didnt want Nigeria to win the cup, a very harsh red card which came out from nowhere, W Germany piled on the pressure any tackle in the 18yrd box will lead to a penalty but Victor Igbinoba scored a world class goal

omar22:
The 1985 team which was an U16 tournament not U17 was my favourite because in the final FIFA didnt want Nigeria to win the cup, a very harsh red card which came out from nowhere, W Germany piled on the pressure any tackle in the 18yrd box will lead to a penalty but Victor Igbinoba scored a world class goal

Eyah, just like how FIFA truncated our U20 team effort in 2005 at the tournament in Holland..

omar22:
The 1985 team which was an U16 tournament not U17 was my favourite because in the final FIFA didnt want Nigeria to win the cup, a very harsh red card which came out from nowhere, W Germany piled on the pressure any tackle in the 18yrd box will lead to a penalty but Victor Igbinoba scored a world class goal

Was the penalty converted? What was the scoreline at the end of the Match?

CFCfan:

Completely agree

It seems you are a Chelsea fan Your moniker, cfcman. . I could be mistaken sha