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Youth Soccer and Revealing Statistics….

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Nigeria's pedigree in African and global youth soccer is one of a major force. At the U-20 level, Nigeria has won six African titles, two more than second placed Egypt and medalled 13 times (Five times more than second placed Egypt at 8). At the U-17 level, Nigeria has won the same number of African titles as Ghana and Gambia but has represented Africa more times than both countries. At the global level, Nigeria has won more titles (4) than any country and medalled (7) than any country in the world. At the U-20 level, Nigeria is second at the global stage to Ghana among African nations in terms of medals. In spite of Nigeria's rich performance at the youth level, many have argued that it has not translated to much at the most senior level. However, it is very difficult to translate domination at the youth level to the senior level because of player maturity which could mean several top stars at U-17 level flaming out before the senior level and several others not selected at