₦airaland Forum

I was born in 1986, so the 1985 edition, I will ask my mum and dad ok.

2001 edition was played in the night and i only watched first match as Nigeria beat France 2:1 the remaining matches i listen to Emeka Odigbo radio commentary.

2003 edition, was hosted by Finland i think?

2007 edition are the teams that suppose to be playing for super eagle but decided to play for U17. That is the only one i watched from beginning to end because i was already in the university, may God forgive Nigeria for using father against their children in that tournament, where is chrisantus, where is Oseni etc.

2009 edition, i left viewing centre with anger after the first half when Germany pounce on Nigeria 3:0. I can't watch another overrated father Stanley okoro in that team being disgraced by their kids.

2013 edition we have a team, this time kids face kids we won, Nigeria should return the previous trophy to the owner, because its a sin to use the experience of a father against his children that is not the aim of the tournament. 2013 edition was ordained by God and they will go far.

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.

As ah dey read dis thing.. Ma head con dey swell..

Beht wait,, where is Ambrose Vanzekin?? Really love d guy.. #NoHomo

my pick will be that 2007 team they were good chrisantus ajiboye Haruna only God knows their whereabouts

Daninya11:
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

That will be his down fall. He had better learn from Messi!

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.

Very nice and captivating analysis.

on the bolded, these footballers mentioned didn't feature for the Argentine team in Finland sir!

Daninya11:
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.. ...

Na 1993 set na
Babayaro,kanu,oruma et al
That team no get rival oooo

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.

Very nice and captivating analysis.

on the bolded, these footballers mentioned didn't feature for the Argentine team in Finland sir!

From. 1985 to 1989 it was actually U16 world cup, it became Under 17 in 1991.

megacity:
Let me start with the worst team so far: the crown goes to the 1995 team. That team can give you hypertension if you are not careful. A team that will chances upon chances and fail score even with open goal post. The team had a top 9, one squat short guy, named Edward Anyamkeh, that guy would not score even if the opponents play without a goal keeper.

The best has to be the 2013 team, cause the team had to go through MRI tests, were very young and played complete football. The problem with most of the other teams is they paraded players that were over-aged by far; like fortune chukwudi of 2009 that palyed u-17 seven years after he registered as an 18 year old player with Sharks! The 1993 team had players that would not have been u-17, even Kanu was already playing for Nationale and would not have been all that u-17 in 1993.

Perhaps Austin Eguavoen is a very unlucky coach; his team to the 2003 world cup lost the group stage to the toss of a coin. The team was however relatively young, which was commendable going by the standards at that time. To Eguavoen's credit, some of the players he took to the 2003 world cup like Mikel and Obasi have gone ahead to become successful footballers and represent Nigeria at the u-20, Olympics, and the world cup . Otherwise, Eguavoen's team was the only one that ever failed to qualify from their group

That 2007 team was a total fraud, their keeper dele Ajiboye wife was already pregnant with his second child when he was playing in that world cup

ibrhyme77:
That 2007 team was a total fraud, their keeper dele Ajiboye wife was already pregnant with his second child when he was playing in that world cup

Fraud does not pay. None of the players from that team has gone ahead to become a big star

sheylarhh:
Nigeria vs Sweden 3-3 @ group stage

Sure its true, another record is that they scored most goals in the u17 competition (26 goals)

Daninya11:
Sir, please share with us the little you know about the 1985 squad. . Thanks

I watched all the matches of the 1985 squad. The beauty of that team was that they played a brand of football never experienced before by any nigerian team. Crisp short passes, hardly forced to resort to 'kick and follow' style of that era. Bellah Momoh and Babatunde Jose were a delight on the wings with outstanding dribbling and diagonal short crosses. Towering Sanni Adamu was a 'Patrick viera' type of midfielder. Fatai Atere was a ' Edgar Davids' battling midfilder. Salisu Nakade was a 'Siasia' technical attacking midfielder super sub. Many of them opted to use the scholarship offered them to proceed to USA to continue their education. Few of them like capt Nduka Ugbade Jonathan Akpoborie went on to play for the U20 team

femi4:
The 2013 set is a stainless squad. Unbeaten throughout, not even a draw . With MVP, silver highest goal scorer and best goal keeper award

Sorry bruh!

That team played Sweden 3-3in the prelims before blasting them 3-0 in the knockout rounds.

FrenchyL:
The 2013 team was exceptional in my opinion. Those before them set the standard though.

Exactly my thought. The 1985 squad under coaching crew of Christian Chukwu and Broderick Bazuaye Imasuen were the architect of the modern free flowing short passing game at that level

docadams:
I completely agree with you. We cannot discontinuance the 1985 squad. They were the pacesetters in global competition for Nigeria in football.
I'll be back to back my claim.

They were really good

Good analysis. I consider them the youngest golden eaglets team ever, mostly secondary school boys. Bella Momoh played for Oyo State academicals team.

docadams:
The 1985 team was the best team ever in my opinion based on some outstanding features:

1. The first National team to win a FIFA organised competition
2. All the players were drawn from secondary schools, YSFON, and street soccer competitions.
3. Only Nigeria and Hungary had all players without club affiliation.
4. The players youthful innocence was indisputable and they played football with youthful exuberance and wanton pleasure.
5. The players were either of the age they claimed or close to it. Nine of the players were from Benin and coincidentally I was living in Benin then enabling me to know some.
6. Because of their success and the attendant rewards and world attention subsequent teams became politicized with quota system and win at all cost syndrome resulting in the use of over-age players.
7. The team had little government presence unlike subsequent once. Much of their needs were undertaken by YSFON.

1985 TEAM

Head coach: Sebastian Brodrick-Imasuen
1 GK Lucky Agbonsevbafe(aged 15) No club
2 DF Ten worming Duere(aged 15) No club
3 DF Nikka Ugbade(aged 15) No club
4 DF Fatai Atere(aged 13) No club
5 DF Binabei Numa(aged 16) No club
6 MF Kingsley Aikhionbore(aged 15) No club
7 MF Salisu Nakade(aged 16) No club
8 MF Sani Adamu(aged 16) No club
9 FW Jonathan Akpoborie(aged 16) No club
10 FW Victor Igbinoba(aged 15) No club
11 FW Bilia Momoh(aged 15) No club
12 GK Imada Amapakabor(aged 16) No club
13 DF Baldwin Bazuaye(aged 16) No club
14 FW Joseph Babatunde(aged 16) No club
15 DF ChukwumaNwoha(aged 15) No club
16 MF Mohamed Yahay(aged 15) No club
17 MF Hilary Adiki(aged 14) No club
18 MF Dele Abubakar(aged 15) No club
Nigerian players were selected from school teams.

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??

I think you are not correct. 1993 F.E's goal average should be more than 3. Their 1st game was 8-0, next 5-0,etc until they clinched the cup

kannymoore:
Sorry bruh!

That team played Sweden 3-3in the prelims before blasting them 3-0 in the knockout rounds.

sure

Icon4s killed it. I'm impressed with your memory. Quite a brilliant analysis. @Icon4s deserves a prize for his piece.

Jonwesley:
Icon4s killed it. I'm impressed with your memory. Quite a brilliant analysis. @Icon4s deserves a prize for his piece.

I concur

docadams:
The 1985 team was the best team ever in my opinion based on some outstanding features:

1. The first National team to win a FIFA organised competition
2. All the players were drawn from secondary schools, YSFON, and street soccer competitions.
3. Only Nigeria and Hungary had all players without club affiliation.
4. The players youthful innocence was indisputable and they played football with youthful exuberance and wanton pleasure.
5. The players were either of the age they claimed or close to it. Nine of the players were from Benin and coincidentally I was living in Benin then enabling me to know some.
6. Because of their success and the attendant rewards and world attention subsequent teams became politicized with quota system and win at all cost syndrome resulting in the use of over-age players.
7. The team had little government presence unlike subsequent once. Much of their needs were undertaken by YSFON.

1985 TEAM

Head coach: Sebastian Brodrick-Imasuen
1 GK Lucky Agbonsevbafe(aged 15) No club
2 DF Ten worming Duere(aged 15) No club
3 DF Nikka Ugbade(aged 15) No club
4 DF Fatai Atere(aged 13) No club
5 DF Binabei Numa(aged 16) No club
6 MF Kingsley Aikhionbore(aged 15) No club
7 MF Salisu Nakade(aged 16) No club
8 MF Sani Adamu(aged 16) No club
9 FW Jonathan Akpoborie(aged 16) No club
10 FW Victor Igbinoba(aged 15) No club
11 FW Bilia Momoh(aged 15) No club
12 GK Imada Amapakabor(aged 16) No club
13 DF Baldwin Bazuaye(aged 16) No club
14 FW Joseph Babatunde(aged 16) No club
15 DF ChukwumaNwoha(aged 15) No club
16 MF Mohamed Yahay(aged 15) No club
17 MF Hilary Adiki(aged 14) No club
18 MF Dele Abubakar(aged 15) No club
Nigerian players were selected from school teams.

I won't name names but as per the Lagos boys in the list, none of them were Under-17. They had all finshed their Form 5 and were playing for strong LDFA Div 1 or National league lower division clubs like IBWA or Eagle Oil.

For the Benin boys, apart form Bauldwin, I am also not sure any of them were still in school going to that world cup.

It is true though that they were all YSFON products.

aswani:
I won't name names but as per the Lagos boys in the list, none of them were Under-17. They had all finshed their Form 5 and were playing for strong LDFA Div 1 or National league lower division clubs like IBWA or Eagle Oil.

For the Benin boys, apart form Bauldwin, I am also not sure any of them were still in school going to that world cup.

It is true though that they were all YSFON products.

I cannot doubt you at all but, like I said, their stated age was near actual age. Compared to subsequent teams, they were far younger. A case in point is the 87 team that has Osondu, who as at then, was 28years, though unconfirmed. The outstanding thing about the 87 team was that they were better appreciated globally for obvious reason; they were mistaken for the samba boys because of the sweet football they played. Their loss to USSR was so painful even to the Brazilians. The referee of that match, a Brazilian, was killed after the competition for, supposedly, favoring the Russians.

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 form the U20 team. And they lost narrowly to Argentina again in the final.

Wow wow wow.. I can't forget that final where Messi was given two wicked penalty kicks! And please who scored that flying header for nigeria?
Sir, Jay-Jay no feature for any U17?

docadams:
1985 TEAM

Head coach: Sebastian Brodrick-Imasuen
1 GK Lucky Agbonsevbafe(aged 15) No club
2 DF Ten worming Duere(aged 15) No club
3 DF Nikka Ugbade(aged 15) No club
4 DF Fatai Atere(aged 13) No club
5 DF Binabei Numa(aged 16) No club
6 MF Kingsley Aikhionbore(aged 15) No club
7 MF Salisu Nakade(aged 16) No club
8 MF Sani Adamu(aged 16) No club
9 FW Jonathan Akpoborie(aged 16) No club
10 FW Victor Igbinoba(aged 15) No club
11 FW Bilia Momoh(aged 15) No club
12 GK Imada Amapakabor(aged 16) No club
13 DF Baldwin Bazuaye(aged 16) No club
14 FW Joseph Babatunde(aged 16) No club
15 DF ChukwumaNwoha(aged 15) No club
16 MF Mohamed Yahay(aged 15) No club
17 MF Hilary Adiki(aged 14) No club
18 MF Dele Abubakar(aged 15) No club
Nigerian players were selected from school teams.

Before the tournament Fatai Atere played for Igbobi College in the Principal cup and was an Upper 6 student, actually all of team played in either the Principal cup or the University games

omar22:
Before the tournament Fatai Atere played for Igbobi College in the Principal cup and was an Upper 6 student, actually all of team played in either the Principal cup or the University games

I can't remember any of them playing in the University games. Those Benin-9 were either with Samco stars, secondary schools, or street soccer teams.
None played club football then.
Note that Atere played for the under 17 twice - 85 and 87. At which of the tournament was he in Upper 6?

ChappyChase:
Wow wow wow.. I can't forget that final where Messi was given two wicked penalty kicks! And please who scored that flying header for nigeria?
Sir, Jay-Jay no feature for any U17?

Na ogbuke bin score that flying header oh!

Na goal na winsh!!!

Indomie generation have no say in this matter o

ChappyChase:
Wow wow wow.. I can't forget that final where Messi was given two wicked penalty kicks! And please who scored that flying header for nigeria?
Sir, Jay-Jay no feature for any U17?

Jay Jay only featured at U-20 level at Mauritius 93, the team had the likes of Taribo West, Andrew Aikhomogbe et al. Kanu was initially part of that team but Westerhoof convinced the coaches to allow him focus on the U-17 instead.

The team should have qualified for Australia 93 but we were placed in the same group as Ghana and Cameroon who were our perennial nemesis at that time. The Ghanaian team in particular was excellent, featuring the likes of Odartey Lamptey, Osei Kuffour, CK Akunnor and Daniel Addo.

Maybe the one they won without age cheating!!

2009 was the most disgraceful