Nigeria’s amateur football workshop concludes in Abuja

A two-day workshop that aimed to present the Amateur Football Environment Report of Nigeria ended in Abuja. FIFA experts Amr Moheb and Etienne Sockeng commended the commitment shown by the Ibrahim Gusau-led Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) administration towards developing grassroots and amateur football in the country.

Sockeng, a Regional Technical Consultant in the FIFA Global Football Development Division, and Moheb, an Amateur Football Analysis Manager, provided detailed insights into Nigeria's amateur football environment. They compared these findings with case studies from other FIFA Member Associations, expressing their satisfaction with the foundational efforts made by the Gusau administration to foster growth in the football sector.

The workshop was inaugurated by NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau MON on Wednesday, alongside NFF 2nd Vice President/Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, NFF Executive Committee member Rt. Hon. Nse Essien, and General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi MON. Gusau urged participants to be attentive and utilize the insights shared by the FIFA experts.

Engaging group exercises enhanced the workshop, with Sockeng and Moheb emphasizing that sustainable growth in football can only be achieved by focusing on the amateur level. NFF Technical Director Coach Augustine Eguavoen presented the state of amateur football in Nigeria, supported by Deputy Director (Technical) and TMS Manager Nasiru Jibril.

Participants included Rt. Hon. Nse Essien, the NFF Management led by Deputy General Secretary Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme MON, Super Eagles’ Head Coach Eric Chelle, NFF staff, and members of the National Institute for Sports. Other attendees comprised members of the NFF Congress, led by Bauchi State Football Association Chairman Mr. Pascal Patrick, FCT Football Association Chairman Mr. Adam Mouktar, members of the FCT Coaches Association, psychologists, Beach Soccer & Futsal League board members, and club owners and academy officials.

Essien concluded the workshop on Thursday evening on behalf of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau.