Former Super Falcons’ veteran defender, Onome Ebi has pledged to give the very best of her efforts and experience in creating awareness across Nigeria about beach soccer and futsal, which she says is the next step of her involvement in various aspects of football.
Sports47 reports that the 43-year-old former Falcons’ captain, who recently completed a FIFA Players Executive Programme in football administration and got a USSF C-coaching licence in the United States, is excited and happy with the role she is now ssaddled with.
Ebi described her appointment to Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Beach Soccer & Futsal Interim Board as a great honour, adding that she is determined to use her experience to contribute in the growth of both, by using her knowledge of player development, coaching and administration.
While acknowledging that the appointment showed that the NFF values her experience and believes she can make an impact beyond her playing career, Ebi admitted she is not familiar with beach soccer and futsal, hence gratitude from her for the opportunity to learn from experts.
“I feel honoured, humbled and very happy to have been considered for this appointment. For me, it means a lot that the Nigeria Football Federation recognises that I can still contribute beyond my playing career.
“I want to be honest that beach soccer and futsal are not my primary areas of expertise. My background is in the traditional game of football, where I spent more than two decades representing Nigeria at the highest level.
“I am willing to learn the technical and regulatory aspects of both games, work with experts and do my very best to help create awareness about these two disciplines in Nigeria. I also bring a player’s perspective to the table.
“Having been on the pitch for so many years, I understand the game from the athlete’s point of view, and I believe that this perspective is important when making decisions that affect players.
“I understand what players need, the challenges athletes face, the importance of proper structures, development pathways, good leadership and creating an environment where players can thrive,” Ebi submitted.
