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| Bayo Solomon |
The neglect of grassroots football has been identified as the cause for the current parlous state of Nigerian football.
Speaking with the press from his base in Denmark, Bayo Solomon, a foremost football promoter was miffed that football administrators and stakeholders in Nigerian football have decidedly gone for what he describes as a quick fix to the problems of Nigerian football.
” I am really disappointed with the administration of football in Nigeria, ” he lamented. ” We have misplaced our priorities. And that is not giving proper and serious attention to grassroots football. And it is one major reason why our age grade teams have failed to qualify for continental and global football competitions in recent times,” he opined.
According to the former professional footballer who had stints with
Sony Elanguema of Equitorial Guinea and Catalona based side, Stiges fc, it is a shame and a pain that thousands of Nigerian football talents are wasting away in different countries in Asia, Americas and Europe, because they lacked proper football education.
” Many football talents have been scurried to different parts of the world and where they are also wasting away. And I seriously blame it on the lack of structure and orientation at the grassroots level, ” he stated ruefully.
Speaking further, he revealed that plans are in progress to reinvigorate football at the grassroots level. As he is collaborating with some foreign partners to organise a football league for kids in the 10-13 years category.
” We hope to launch this league for kids and try to breath fresh life to football from the grassroots level, ” the British trained football administrator added.
Written By: AKEEM BUSARI for Sportflames
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