By Esther Egbe
Monday Nas Ozoya, MSc in Sports Business Management, MCIMSPA, FIFA Guardian Safeguarding Platinum, BILD Positive Behaviour Support Coach Director, UK Coordinator and General Grassroots Councillor – African Coaches Connect (ACC) Member Board of Trustees – Nigerian Youth Football Association (NYFA) told Amebo Newspaper that essential sports development at the grassroots level is the foundation of national athletic achievement.
He added that in Nigeria, however, specific obstacles impede the development of youthful talent into elite athletes.
Monday explained that the widespread influence of poverty, concerns about security, and insufficient resources, these challenges demand immediate attention and creative remedies. The present article examines the many obstacles encountered in the growth of grassroots athletes in Nigeria, investigating their consequences and proposing potential solutions.
Also, Ozoya revealed to our reporter that the greatest substantial obstacle to sports participation in Nigeria continues to be poverty. Many gifted young athletes must forsake their sports ambitions to prioritise employment and provide for their families. Training incurs direct expenses, including fees, equipment, and transportation, which can be excessively costly for families already facing financial difficulties in meeting their fundamental necessities.
The FIFA Guardian Safeguarding Platinum said that in some areas of Nigeria, ongoing security challenges significantly limit the capacity of young athletes to engage in safe training and competition. Factors such as community disputes, insurgency, and urban crime can disrupt structured sports programs and discourage participation due to personal safety concerns.
He also said that a crucial deficiency is the need for more proficient and well-informed coaches and referees in grassroots sports. Many coaches and referees at the grassroots level need more access to modern training.
