Exclusive interview – Douglas Idahosa: Corruption has sunk Nigeria at the U20 World Cup

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Foot Africa

·10 October 2025

Exclusive interview – Douglas Idahosa: Corruption has sunk Nigeria at the U20 World Cup

Exclusive Interview

The shocking revelations of Douglas Idahosa

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Nigeria/@netafrique

Nigeria missed the mark during the U20 World Cup, whose final phase continues in Chile.

The "Flying Eagles" were knocked out as early as the round of 16 after suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat against Nigeria.

To reflect on this failed World Cup campaign, Foot Africa spoke with Douglas Idahosa, Nigerian coach and owner of the BJ Football Club academy in Benin City, who has developed several top Nigerian players such as Victor Moses, Elderson Echiejile, Mikel Agu, Success Isaac, Erhun Obanor, Saturday Erimuya, and Solomon Osaghae.

Why is Nigeria no longer competitive in youth World Cups?

The system is corrupt. Nigerian coaches no longer pick the best players, only those who can pay for their place in the squad. Many talented players can't afford to bribe the coaches, because most of Nigeria's best young footballers come from humble backgrounds.

Can you give examples of players who could have featured in this youth World Cup?

Many players. For example: Eugene Osaghae, Chinaka Emmanuel, Osazuwa Imafidon, and Purpose Ayemogie. He played at HB Academy in Abuja but was not called up, just like many other talented players in different cities across Nigeria. Coaches no longer scout players; they simply wait for the players to send them money to be included in the squad. Purpose Ayemogie is a striker who finished as top scorer in Benin City during the Federation Cup. He was sent to camp with the U20s in Katsina State, but since he had no money to bribe the coach, he never got his chance and was ultimately dropped from the team.

Some observers say that the issue of age fraud, once widespread, is now impossible thanks to detection technologies. Is that true?

Not really. The real problem remains corruption.

Does the coach Aliyu Zubairu bear a big responsibility for this failure?

The coach had every opportunity and all the support needed to pick the best players in Nigeria, but he refused and only took those who paid him. His mistake was not recruiting the best talents available. The players he took to the tournament simply weren't up to the standard.