General Secretary of Nigeria Professional Footballers Union, NANFP, Austin Popo, was among the guests that witnessed the kick-off of the Oba Muroof Oluwa under 15 football tournament.
Expressing his opinion on the young players, Popo said Ajegunle has always been a traditional enclave for sportsmen, not just football and the young players have not disappointed so far. He noted that a lot of prominent sports stars have emerged from Ajegunle.
“For me , this is just a continuation of what has been happening before and its also good that they’re keeping the tempo . Hopefully by what we are seeing today, they would be the future stars of tomorrow that is to tell you, if we don’t plant a seed, it cannot grow to become a tree tomorrow.
“For me, this is a good development and that is the reason why I came all the way from my trip from Benin and Sango -Ota, Ogun State, to be here because this kind of tournament is the right thing to do all the time”.
He advised sports managers , to re evaluate the way players are trained.
Popo has this to say, ” I’ve discovered that outside football, a lot of them don’t have what it takes to go beyond 90 minutes on the pitch. It is very important that we must be able to engage every aspect of their spiritual, physical and intellectual life because whatever you do at this level is important.
”The only reason why I have a little bit of draw back is by virtue of my position and my job. I have seen a lot of players that only understand the essence of being a footballer but not the purpose of being someone in life , which is going beyond football”.
Popo noted that there’s need to re-evaluate the way players are trained because outside football, a lot of them don’t have what it takes to go 90 minutes.
Adding that these young ones need to be engaged spiritually, physically and intellectually to help them grow effectively.
He explained further, “I have seen a player, that is like Lionel Messi for about 13 years and just two years after, you see that same player has been destroyed. That is why I advise coaches to ensure that you have the right qualification and know how because these children are very complex. When it comes to development, whatever you give to them , that is what they give to you tomorrow.
“Before anybody becomes a coach , he should please endeavour to develop himself to ensure your foundation is very solid.This is my advise to coaches because we have seen a lot of drawbacks that define an average Nigerian player.
“By the grace of God, I am talking because I know now. During my playing days, I was able to to combine my education with my football. When I was playing with New Nigeria Bank, I was also a student at University of Benin. In as much as its not everybody that can do that, players should try to educate themselves. Education does not necessarily mean schooling but having your own right information to develop self, having a pure understanding of your profession.
“Again, it is not too young to start teaching the under 15, the fundamentals of refereeing, fundamentals of the law as regards contract, so that as they grow , they will imbibe those cultures and be themselves and the real professionals.
