President of the Nigeria Netball Federation, Oluwatoyin Aluko, has explained the importance of the federation’s ongoing five-day Coaching and Umpiring Clinic in Abuja, describing it as a key step towards strengthening the technical foundation of netball in Nigeria.
The clinic, which opened on Tuesday at the Indoor Sports Hall, Package B, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, has brought together coaches and aspiring umpires for intensive training.
Aluko said the programme is part of the federation’s broader efforts to improve coaching standards, strengthen technical knowledge and develop a new generation of qualified officials.
“The clinic is part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen the technical foundation of netball in Nigeria,” Aluko said.
She noted that developing the sport requires investment not only in athletes but also in the coaches and officials responsible for preparing and managing them.
The participants are receiving training designed to improve their understanding of the game, coaching methods and officiating standards ahead of the upcoming Intermediate Games.
Aluko believes strengthening these areas will help create a more organised and competitive netball structure while giving players access to better technical guidance.
The federation is also using the programme to expand the pool of qualified umpires, an important component in ensuring that competitions are properly officiated and conducted according to international standards.
The five-day programme is expected to provide participants with practical and theoretical knowledge that can be applied in domestic competitions and future national-team programmes.
For Aluko, the development of competent coaches and officials is essential to the long-term growth of netball in Nigeria.
With the Intermediate Games approaching, the federation hopes the clinic will provide a stronger technical base and contribute to raising the standard of the sport across the country.
