I can now confidently say Nigeria is one of the Top 3 countries in World football as far as age-grade football(Under 17, 20 and 23) is concerned. Minus National team, Nigeria is as good as Brazil and Argentina.

Winning under-17 World Cup thrice(only equaled by Brazil) plus getting to last four in several other appearances; getting to final or at least semi-final in Under 20 WC; and getting to final of under-23(just next to World-Cup) for the the second time in the last 4 editions, I think Nigeria deserves the same respect Brazil gets when World Cup is mentioned.

Ironically, when these under-17, 20,23 that are demolishing European/American heavyweights transit to National team, they find it difficult to beat these Holland,CIV,Spain,Argentina,Brazil again.

Anyway, being champions in world stage(at every stage except World Cup) is itself worth being proud of.

Nigeria deserves some respect in World football!!!

One argument is that most of our players in those competitions are over aged, so by the time they get into the senior team their legs are already getting tired.

Seun:

One argument is that most of our players in those competitions are over aged, so by the time they get into the senior team their legs are already getting tired.

I don't see this as an excuse for them at all . It's just lack of determination and sheer irresponsibility ! At least we have big boys in other european and african team.