A veteran grassroots coach and ex-player, Alfred Kossi (aka Socrates) has taken his mind back to his early days and recalled some big names of Nigerian football he either played alongside or whom he groomed.
Kossi disclosed in an exclusive interview with Sports247 that he had the pleasure of playing alongside two ex-internationals, Yisa Sofoluwe and Alloy Agu, who he captained during their days together at ITT Bombers of Lagos, with Adewale Sessi (aka Arsenal) as their coach.
He later had the rare privilege of grooming future national team stars and domestic league icons when he ventured into coaching at Goggory FC, which later became Grassroots Stars FC of Coker-Orile.
Among his products on the sandy surface of Coker Field included Muisi Ajao, Ebi Loko, Lukman Salau, Bernard Okorowanta, as well as ex-under-20 national team centre back Godfrey Nwakpa and former Julius Berger FC captain, Ambrose Duru.
‘Socrates’ recalled further that he also made an impact in female football with Madu Angels FC of Surulere, which produced top players like Omo Love Branch and Christiana George.
“I thank God for where he is bringing me from, where I have reached and where I’m going,” said ‘Baba Socrates,’ who now handles his own youth football club named Alfred United at Coker Field, though he lives far away at Akesan, near 9Igando, Lagos.
“It’s not been easy, but I thank God for guiding me and strengthening me. I am lucky to have an assistant, Sule Aweda, who also trains the boys.
“It’s like what I did as a player/coach; when I first started with Gbenga Ogundare at Goggory FC of Coker. From there, I went on to coach both Stationery Stores and NPA in the national league.
“Before then, while I was still playing active football, I learnt a lot under Coach Adewale Sessi at ITT Bombers. I was the captain and we won State FA Cup during my time in the team.
“I also played for Savannah Bank and Nigerdock. I won Badagry Lesgue and other competitions. At that time, journalists called me ‘Super Player,’ and I always tried not to disappoint them.
“I remember journalists like Muyiwa Daniel, Joe Audu and Segun Adenuga. They always wrote good things about me, and I thank them for how they helped me grow to greater heights.
“I am also happy that I met big names of Nigerian football when I was younger. Yisa Sofoluwe and Alloy Agu, who later played for the national team, were my teammates.
“Three great defenders – Muisi Ajao, Godfrey Nwakpa and Ambrose Duru – were among my products; while former female national team star, Omo Love Branch was my captain at Madu Angels.
“All these show that God has really been good to me. I might not be rich in money, but I’m rich in many football achievements; and I thank God for all of it.”
 has taken his mind back to his early days and recalled some big names){kind=link}