Former Nigerian midfielder, Seyi Olofinjana has identified the provision of infrastructure and coach education as key ingredients needed to develop football in Nigeria as far as youths are concerned.
The former Wolves of England player stated this at the launch of the fundraising gala for the Nigeria Youth League Cup (NYLC), a football competition, which has been scheduled to get underway on September 15, 2024 across major cities in Nigeria.
Olofinjana said just like a mansion that stands on a solid foundation will attract bystanders and onlookers, a player with solid football background and who enjoys good infrastructural facilities and necessary guidance would automatically enjoy steady career growth.
He also added that coach education cannot be overemphasised saying a coach needed to pass modern football tactics and techniques to his players if such coach wants to succeed.
While commending the organisers of the Youth League for provide the platform for the youths to display their talents and skills, the former Super Eagle who is also an official scout of Chelsea FC of England, said there is need to encourage private clubs to thrive and succeed.
“Football is all about foundation. A mansion that stands on a solid foundation will attract the attention of bystanders and onlookers because of what has been put into it. Just like a player with solid football background and who enjoys good infrastructure will definitely enjoy steady career growth. Coach education is also very important. A coach must understand modern football tactics and techniques which must be passed to his players if such he wants to succeed.
“This project (NYLC) couldn’t have come at the right time. It is apt. I see the project going far, faster and quicker. Please, don’t despise this little beginning because whatever that will be big starts this way. We need to encourage private clubs to thrive and succeed because they are using their resources to project the players to the outside world and also offer them the platforms to excel,” Olofinjana, who represented Nigeria 40 times between 2000 and 2011, stated.
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