Swiss-Based Coach Adeyemi Brings High-Performance Expertise to Nigeria

A Nigerian coach based in Switzerland, Adeyemi Adedeji Anthony, has offered his high-performance coaching services to Nigeria’s national football teams, aiming to support their tactical and technical growth. He brings over 15 years of youth development experience in Swiss clubs including FC Dübendorf, FC Rüti, FC Kloten and FC Gossau before his current role at FC Witikon.

Speaking recently, Adeyemi emphasised Nigeria’s youth football potential but noted gaps in early structured training. He pointed out that European players begin formal coaching around age six, while many Nigerian talents only begin at age twelve impacting technical foundations.

He also commended Coach Éric Chelle’s recent appointment as Nigeria’s Super Eagles head coach and expressed confidence in the team’s ability to navigate upcoming qualifiers. Adeyemi backed Chelle’s tactical acumen and called on fans to rally behind the team.

With UEFA B coaching credentials and a reputation for nurturing young talent, Adeyemi has previously applied to lead the Flying Eagles, asserting his aspiration to build a team capable of winning the U‑20 World Cup.

Editorial

We welcome Coach Adeyemi’s willingness to contribute to Nigerian football. His experience across Swiss clubs and passion for youth development make him a valuable resource especially in a landscape hungry for tactical structure and early skill training.

We note his critique of Nigeria’s football setup must be taken seriously. Starting academy coaching at age six, as in Europe, fundamentally builds technical foundations. Nigeria’s later start means players often rely on raw talent rather than refined technique. Integrating structured training early could transform future generations of players.

We are impressed by Adeyemi’s backing of the Super Eagles under coach Éric Chelle. His call for unity and tactical clarity is timely as Nigeria prepares for crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers. His support reflects his belief in the squad’s capability and the coach’s strategic vision.

As Nigeria searches for stability and progress, voices like Adeyemi’s offer both critique and hope. His track record proves that development-focused coaches can be catalysts for change. If harnessed effectively, his insight and expertise could contribute to a smarter, more tactical football culture aligned with global standards.

We urge Nigerian football authorities to consider harnessing such expertise. The path to sustained success lies in embracing strategic coaching, structured youth training, and performance-led planning.

Did You Know?

1. Adeyemi spent six years coaching youth teams at FC Dübendorf (U14 to U16), clinching the Coca‑Cola Youth League title and reaching an FA Cup semi‑final.
2. He led FC Rüti U23 to a league title after two years with the club.
3. In 2023–24 he was appointed head coach of FC Witikon, a third-tier Swiss club, after serving as assistant coach.
4. Adeyemi holds a UEFA B coaching license and has won youth coaching accolades including Best Coach at FC Gossau in 2020–21 and Best Youth Coach at Dübendorf in 2015–16.
5. He has publicly applied for Nigeria’s Flying Eagles coaching role, aiming to bridge grassroots development with national success.