Following Nigeria’s bronze medal finish at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), former international and youth football advocate, Dimeji Lawal, has cautioned against sweeping changes to the Flying Eagles squad, warning that an overhaul could be counterproductive as the team prepares for the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup later this year.
Lawal, who is also a respected football administrator, made the comments in an interview with Completesports.com after the Flying Eagles defeated host nation Egypt on penalties to claim third place at the continental tournament. The medal win comes after a campaign marked by highs and lows for the Nigerian side, which narrowly missed out on a place in the final after falling to Senegal in the semi-finals.
Despite calls in some quarters for a complete restructuring of the team due to their inconsistent performances in the group stages, Lawal believes the current squad has shown enough promise and resilience to warrant continuity, with only minimal changes needed to strengthen the group.
“It will be unfair to demand a total overhauling of the Flying Eagles,” Lawal said. “It is like condemning all their efforts after winning a bronze at the tournament.”
The former youth international emphasized the need for measured improvements rather than rash decisions, urging the coaching crew to build on the current squad’s foundation by introducing a few new players who can add depth and quality in key areas.
“I can only advocate for the inclusion of a few fresh players to the team that can make the Flying Eagles stronger ahead of the U-20 World Cup,” he added. “You can’t really say that the whole team failed to perform well. What the players need is encouragement and not a total overhaul of the team.”
The Flying Eagles’ campaign at the U-20 AFCON featured moments of brilliance, including a dramatic comeback win over Ghana in the group stage and a solid defensive display against Egypt in the bronze medal match. Several players, including captain Daniel Bameyi—who was named in the tournament’s Best XI—earned praise for their performances, further supporting Lawal’s argument for continuity.
Head coach Ladan Bosso, who has led the team since 2022, is also under scrutiny, with questions being asked about his tactical decisions and squad selection. While some fans and analysts have called for new leadership ahead of the World Cup, others, like Lawal, believe that changing the technical team now could disrupt the squad’s rhythm and preparation.
“We should be talking about how to support the coaches with quality scouting and better logistics to ensure the team is in peak form for the World Cup,” Lawal said. “These young players have gone through intense pressure and showed character. That should not be taken lightly.”
With the FIFA U-20 World Cup scheduled for November 2025, Nigeria has just a few months to fine-tune the squad. Preparations are expected to ramp up soon, including international friendlies, training camps, and possible invitational tournaments. There is also hope that some of the players will secure professional contracts with clubs in Europe or Asia, which could aid their development ahead of the global competition.
As Nigeria seeks to improve on their previous U-20 World Cup record—the team has reached the final twice but never lifted the trophy—calls like Lawal’s for stability and strategic reinforcement may prove vital.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is yet to announce any changes to the team’s setup, but sources indicate that internal reviews are ongoing. Whether or not Lawal’s advice is heeded, the spotlight remains firmly on the Flying Eagles as they enter the next crucial phase of their journey toward the world stage.
