FIFA Experts Assess Nigeria’s Amateur Football Environment in Abuja
A two-day workshop on Nigeria’s amateur football environment has ended in Abuja, with FIFA experts Amr Moheb and Etienne Sockeng commending the commitment of the Ibrahim Musa Gusau-led Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) administration to developing grassroots and amateur football in the country.
Sockeng, a Regional Technical Consultant in FIFA’s Global Football Development Division, and Moheb, FIFA’s Amateur Football Analysis Manager, presented a detailed assessment of Nigeria’s amateur football environment, drawing comparisons with case studies and practices from other FIFA Member Associations.
The experts expressed satisfaction with the foundations being put in place by the NFF to strengthen the development of football from the grassroots.
NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau MON declared the workshop open on Wednesday alongside NFF 2nd Vice President and NPFL Chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye, NFF Executive Committee member Rt. Hon. Nse Essien and General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi MON.
Gusau urged participants to pay close attention to the presentations and ensure that the lessons from the workshop translated into meaningful improvements in the amateur game.
The workshop, held at the Sandralia Hotel in Abuja, featured practical group exercises through which Sockeng and Moheb emphasised that sustainable football development can only be achieved when adequate attention is given to the amateur and grassroots levels.
NFF Technical Director Augustine Eguavoen presented an overview of the state of amateur football in Nigeria, with support from Deputy Director (Technical) and TMS Manager Nasiru Jibril.
Participants included NFF management led by Deputy General Secretary Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme MON, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, NFF staff, officials of the National Institute for Sports, members of the NFF Congress, state football association chairmen, coaches, psychologists, Beach Soccer and Futsal League board members, club and academy owners, and members of the FCT Coaches Association.
Other participants included Bauchi State Football Association Chairman Pascal Patrick, FCT Football Association Chairman Adam Mouktar and Super Eagles physiotherapist Nnaemeka Anozie.
Essien, who took part fully in the sessions, declared the workshop closed on Thursday evening on behalf of NFF President Gusau, bringing to an end the two-day assessment and knowledge-sharing exercise focused on strengthening Nigeria’s amateur football structure.
