MALI’s qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup, is a lesson that Nigeria can pick in developing youth football in Africa’s most populous country.
Nigeria failed to qualify for the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, and missed out in contesting for a place in the 2025 U-17 World Cup set to be held in Qatar this November.
By picking a continental ticket for Qatar 2025, Mali have once again underlined its status as a continental youth football powerhouse.
The Aiglonnets secured their ticket with a 2-0 victory over the Central African Republic (CAR) in the group stage of the U-17 AFCON on Friday night.
Mali confirmed its dominance with seven U-17 World Cup appearances to date, and continue to show consistency and hunger.
In 2023, the West African nation clinched third place in Indonesia, with Ibrahim Diarra, the Silver Boot winner of the tournament highlighting Mali’s campaign.
Also, Hamidou Makalou earned the Silver Ball, showcasing the West African country’s investment in youth development – a lesson that Nigeria must take to heart in returning the Golden Eaglets back to where it used to be.
Fueling Mali’s success and a charge for glory both at the continental and global stage are football academies.
At the centre of Mali’s youth football revolution is a robust academy system, which serve as pipelines for national youth teams.
Leading this charge is Jean-Marc Guillou (JMG) Academy, known for producing stars like Yves Bissouma and Amadou Haidara.
JMG continues to contribute talent, including Ibrahima Diakité and Seydou Dembélé, the latter named Man of the Match against the CAR.
Also, institutions like the Centre Salif Keita, as well as private and federation-led structures, enable early talent identification and long-term support.
“Our academies play a very, very important role. If Mali keeps returning to youth tournaments, it’s largely because of them.
“This long-term work allows us to stay competitive in Africa and represent the continent with pride on the world stage,” Adama Diefla Diallo, head coach of Mali’s U-17, said.