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Former Nigeria star says competition can drive development; Amuneke encourages calendar changes to have positive impact on African football; Increasing global competitiveness is a key goal of the President\u2019s Vision 2020-2023.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Emmanuel Amuneke knows all about the power of football and its need to constantly evolve to meet the needs of the modern game. A star of Nigeria\u2019s run to the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup\u2122 in 1994, he now wants a reform of the international match calendar to allow more players from Nigeria \u2013 and across Africa \u2013 to play on the highest stage.<\/p>\n
Players have been asked for their input to a wide-ranging review on football\u2019s future, with expertise also being sought from other stakeholders across the sport. Nothing is decided for the schedule after 2024 and FIFA has welcomed diverse views and a debate in order to optimise the calendar for all involved, giving a broader cross-section of the world\u2019s talent the chance to shine.<\/p>\n
\u201cFootball is continuously evolving and changing,\u201d said Amuneke. \u201cI think the only way we Africans can do better, is by going back and developing our players. It is true that we have a lot of great players playing in Europe, doing very well but, of course, we also have to think about those playing in the country, how we can aid them to become much better players and how we can develop them.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have always believed that in football, when a player is more knowledgeable about the game, his decision-making becomes much better. I think educating our young players and preparing them for the future is the key. Over the years, people have said \u2018Africa is going to win the [FIFA] World Cup\u2019 and I agree but we cannot win the World Cup just by talking. We have to develop the young generation and lay foundations for the young ones to be in a position to be able to compete.\u201d<\/p>\n
Amuneke notes the stress that global stars are under in terms of intercontinental travels and the needs for players to have rest periods in order to optimise the performance.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think that period of resting for the players is key,\u201d adds Amuneke. \u201cAnd in the calendar, if there is a way to fix that, it\u2019s a welcome development that can aid the clubs and the national teams.”<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n