By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Twenty-seven grassroots coaches from Nyanya and neighbouring communities converged on the Nyanya Sports Complex in Abuja on Thursday for the 2026 edition of the Nyanya Football Coaches Society Annual Coaching Clinic, a programme designed to strengthen coaching capacity and drive football development at the grassroots.
The one-day clinic, organised by the Nyanya Football Coaches Society in collaboration with Elchi Concepts Limited, featured practical and theoretical sessions facilitated by renowned football educator and Nigeria U-20 women’s assistant coach, Mansur Abdullahi, alongside sports psychology lecturer at the National Institute for Sports, Attakhiru Abdulganiyu Okhakume.
For the organisers, the initiative was more than a coaching seminar; it was a deliberate investment in the future of Nigerian football.
“We want to take these children off the streets and give them a platform to grow,” said Chief Executive Officer of Elchi Concepts Limited, Uche George.
“Football is one language that unites everybody, regardless of culture or background. If we can give these young people the opportunity to play and succeed, the sky is the limit.”
George, a former professional footballer, explained that the programme was part of his company’s commitment to giving back to society through sports development.
He stressed that grassroots football remains the foundation of every successful football nation, noting that coaches must continually upgrade their knowledge to compete with their counterparts across the world.
“Coaches have to keep learning because the more they learn, the more they can impact young talents. We cannot do it alone; government, individuals and coaches all have a role to play.”
CAF and NFF instructor Mansur Abdullahi echoed the same sentiment, warning that Nigeria’s football future depends heavily on the quality of education available to grassroots coaches.
“If grassroots coaches do not understand the game, they cannot impart knowledge to young players, and that means the future is in danger,” Abdullahi said.
The Falconets assistant coach applauded the practical dimension introduced to the clinic, insisting that football education must go beyond classroom lectures.
“These coaches have great potential; they only need proper guidance and continuous education. Programmes like this are very important for the growth of Nigerian football.”
Beyond technical and tactical lessons, participants were also exposed to the growing importance of sports psychology in modern football.
Sports psychologist Attakhiru Abdulganiyu Okhakume called for greater attention to the mental health of athletes, stressing that psychological well-being is as important as physical fitness.
“A player may be physically fit, but anxiety, depression or fear can affect performance. Coaches must understand the psychological aspect of the game if they want to get the best out of their players.”
Chairman of the Technical and Seminar Committee of the Nyanya Football Coaches Society, Kenny Owojori, described the clinic as a huge success and disclosed that plans are already underway to expand the initiative in subsequent editions. According to him, future programmes will involve secondary schools, private academies and club captains as part of efforts to deepen grassroots football development in Abuja and its environs.
The reward for success is more work. Our goal is to expand this initiative in subsequent editions to accommodate more coaches, schools, private academies and club captains. We want to extend its reach beyond Nyanya and ensure that more young talents and grassroots coaches benefit from this programme.”
Supported by Elchi Concepts Limited, the annual clinic provided participants with practical demonstrations, interactive sessions with CAF and NFF educators, and certificates of participation, reinforcing the collective commitment to building a stronger future for Nigerian football from the grassroots.
