On a significant day in Lagos, Nigeria, history was made in the realm of grassroots football as the first cohort of 100 football coaches graduated with certification after completing a specialized one-month training course. This program was organized by the National Institute for Sports (NIS) in collaboration with the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA). The event not only symbolizes a milestone for the graduates but also marks an important step for the development of football in Nigeria, particularly at the grassroots level. The initiative aims to improve the quality of coaching in football by addressing the challenges posed by unqualified personnel in the sport.
During the graduation ceremony, Professor Olawale Moronkola, the Director-General/CEO of the NIS, took the opportunity to congratulate the new coaches on their success. He highlighted the significance of this training and its impact on the future of grassroots football in the country. Professor Moronkola recognized that the program is a response to the urgent need for qualified coaches, pointing out that quackery has been a pervasive issue within the Nigerian football framework. His remarks underscored the importance of establishing a solid foundation for the sport that would ensure sustainability and growth.
Moreover, Professor Moronkola expressed his appreciation for the LSFA’s support throughout the program, emphasizing the collaborative efforts between the two organizations. He noted that such partnerships are essential for creating a robust environment that nurtures and promotes the development of football from the grassroots upwards. The significance of nurturing talent and providing quality coaching at the early stages was reiterated as a crucial factor for the overall enhancement of Nigerian football.
The Chairman of the Lagos FA, Hajji Gafar Liameed, also shared his excitement about the successful completion of the pilot batch of the training course. He hailed the achievement as a significant milestone, indicative of the progress being made toward establishing a structured and sustainable football ecosystem in Lagos State. Gafar expressed confidence in the LSFA’s ambition to train more than 5,000 grassroots coaches within the next four years, citing the potential positive repercussions for football in Lagos and across Nigeria.
The grassroots football initiative represents a pivotal move towards elevating the standards of coaching in Nigeria, helping to combat the issues associated with unqualified individuals coaching young talent. By investing in the education of these coaches, the program intends to foster a new generation of properly trained professionals dedicated to nurturing talent and promoting the sport. The LSFA’s vision for the future aims to create a stronger football culture and increase participation and skill levels across the state and the nation.
In summary, the graduation of the first set of certified grassroots football coaches from the NIS is a groundbreaking achievement for Nigerian football. It reflects a concerted effort by the National Institute for Sports and the Lagos State Football Association to enhance coaching standards and develop a sustainable football framework. With ambitious plans to train thousands more coaches, this initiative holds the promise of fostering significant growth in football talent and performance at all levels in Nigeria, ensuring a bright future for the sport.
