As questions continue raging over recent dwindling fortunes for Nigeria in the round leather game, the chairman of Ogun State Football Association (OGSFA), Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi, has declared that more investment should be given to the development of coaches in order to produce better players.
Sports247 reports that Majekodunmi further pointed to the need to train coaches and expand technical knowledge in the basics of football to various communities, where talents can be groomed at the grassroots.
Majekodunmi gave these suggestions while speaking during the opening ceremony of the ongoing CAF D-Licence Coaching Course in the Yewa area of the state, where 40 grassroots football coaches commenced the learning process on Thursday.
The amiable football administrator further described the gathering at Agro Terra Resort, Joga-Orile, in Yewa North Local Government Area as a timely and crucial venture aimed at raising coaching standards and strengthening the foundation of football development across Ogun State.
He added that the course, which is organised by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in collaboration with OGSFA and the Ogun State chapter of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association (NFCA), is designed to equip participants with theoretical knowledge and practical coaching skills required for CAF D-Licence certification.
Majekodunmi also called on all 40 participants to stay fully focused and embrace the golden opportunity to improve their professional competence, which would ultimately help them contribute meaningfully to the growth of grassroots football in their immediate communities.
“The future of Nigerian football depends on the quality of coaches working at the grassroots. That’s where young talents are first identified, then regularly nurtured and prepared for higher levels of competition. Grassroots football is the foundation upon which the future of our game is built.
“If we want to produce better players and achieve sustainable development, we must invest in the knowledge and capacity of our coaches. I urge all participants to take this course seriously, learn from the instructors and apply the knowledge acquired to improve the players entrusted to them,” Majekodunmi stressed.
Sports247 reports further that Majekodunmi also assured that Ogun State Football Association will always support initiatives that can improve coaching standards and create a stronger structure for football development across the country.
