By Chigozie Chukwuleta
As the curtains for the seventh edition of the FC Bayern Youth Cup Nigeria are drawn, Lars Weichert, Head of International Youth Programmes at FC Bayern Munich, shares insights on the tournament’s success stories.
Weichert, a regular visitor to Nigeria, who has witnessed firsthand the immense talent and potential of Nigerian youth describing FC Bayern Youth Cup Nigeria as platform for Success also offers valuable tips for young footballers.
Excerpts
Q.You have been to Nigeria for about five times, what were your overall impressions of the talent and potential you saw in Nigerian youth football during your visits to the FC Bayern Youth Cup Nigeria?
A. Nigeria has an incredible potential to develop youth talents. I believe that mixing the passion felt here for the sport with the know-how from the European style can produce even bigger success stories.
Q. How do you assess the progress of Nigerian youth football in terms of technical skills, tactical awareness, and physical development over the past seven years of Bayern Youth Cup Nigeria?
A. Team Nigeria has been improving every year in the tournament. Their first appearances were not so successful but in the past 3 years they won the cup twice, which goes to show a clear path for success. Apart from the collective performances, we’ve also managed to bring individual players further in their careers and open the doors to Europe for them: Victor Orakpo at OGC Nice, Daniel Francis at Wacker Innsbruck and David Emmanuel in Hessen Kassel are examples of this.
Q. How do you think the FC Bayern Youth Cup program has impacted the development of young footballers in Nigeria, and what benefits do you see for the players who participated?
A. I believe that every Nigerian Youth Cup player profits greatly for their personal development, especially the 10 players selected to compete in Germany. Being able to represent their country abroad and have cultural exchanges with players from all over the world leaves huge learnings for their growth as persons and athletes. For example, Daniel Francis was selected for the national team after participating in the Youth Cup and played the U17 World Cup in Brazil with Nigeria.
Q. Were there any standout players or teams that caught your attention during the 7th edition of the tournament, and do you see any potential for them to make it to the professional level?
A. I had already seen Murtala Yusuf last year, he developed further and proved himself this year as a special talent. If he continues on this path, everything could be possible for him in his career.
In principle, we notice that every year the level keeps increasing at the Youth Cup Nigeria. It would be interesting to see the boys playing 11-a-side football. If I had to mention more concrete players, they would be Timothy Israel and Gorku Ishiaku.
Q. What specific qualities or skills do you look for in young players, and how do you think the Nigerian players measured up?
A. We observe the player’s first touch, the understanding of the game and of spaces and of course proper basic techniques: Clean passes, tackles… What I always recognize, compared to other countries, the Nigerian boys would have to work more on their definition in front of goal, i.e. proper shooting with both right / left feet and with the ball moving.
Q. Have you noticed any differences in the style of play or player development between the Nigerian teams and teams from other countries that participate in the FC Bayern.Youth Cup?
A. Nigerians are always more physical than the rest, always ready to run. For instance in the 2022 final won against Japan, this physicality set the team way in advantage against the Asian boys.
Q. Are there any plans for Bayern Munich to provide coaching or technical support to Nigerian football clubs or academies, and if so, what form would this take?
A.This is already underway, we hold digital calls with local coaches in the context of coaches education. Additionally, our upcoming platform “FC Bayern Online Campus” will allow Nigerian coaches and academies to access educational content from our youth academy.
Q. Are there any notable success stories of Nigerian players who have gone on to play professionally in Germany or elsewhere after participating in the FC Bayern Youth Cup?
A. Yes, some of our biggest success stories worldwide come from Nigeria. As I mentioned before, we’ve had former Youth Cup alumni Victor Orakpo at OGC Nice, Daniel Francis at Wacker Innsbruck and David Emmanuel at FC Bayern but currently on loan at Hessen Kassel.
Q. How do you think your experiences in Nigeria have influenced your perspective on football and scouting for talent globally?
A. I’m always amazed by the hunger and passion that Nigerian boys have to make it all the way into the professional game. This competitive mindset should be exemplary for players in other places, even for those in our own youth academy.
Q. What advice would you give to young Nigerian players who aspire to make a career in professional football, and what qualities do you think are essential for success?
A. I’d advise them to have clear goals but have patience in achieving them. Also that they learn how to deal positively against any setbacks, these belong to the sport and no player’s career is always straightforward. It is also very important for players to find trustworthy people to work with, their careers could be negatively influenced by persons who don’t put the player’s main interests as the top priority.
Q. Now that the 7th edition has concluded, what is your overall impression of the Bayern Youth Cup Nigeria and relationship with VOE in the project?
A.We had an amazing time in Nigeria and are very thankful to have a strong partner in the VOE Foundation. I’ve known Victor Edeh since 2018 and since then I’ve rarely met someone so heavily committed and engaged to developing young talents in his country. We have worked together in different projects like the U16 Youth Cup, the U18 Global Academy and the U19 World Squad and for him, the player’s interest and success comes in first place. For me personally, this is a motivating example of unselfishness to work in football.
Q. How did you adapt to the Nigerian fashion scene? Did you pick up any local style tips or incorporate any traditional Nigerian attire into your wardrobe?
A. Diego Contento and me received a typical costume as a farewell gift, we’re looking forward to wearing them in Munich. The intercultural evening during the Youth Cup World Final will be a perfect opportunity to wear it.
Q How did you find the Nigerian culture, especially the food, during your visits? Were there any local dishes that you particularly enjoyed?
A I usually love spicy food but Nigeria is a different level, nevertheless I enjoyed everything that we tried.
Q.How did the Nigerian hospitality impress or surprise you during your visits?
A.It is always very special for me to feel this great hospitality in Nigeria. Whenever I come here I feel like I’m in my second home.
