Sports

Akinwunmi lauds FCAAN efforts at improving Nigeria coaches

Published

4 years ago

May 19, 2021

First Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi has commended the efforts of the Football Coaches Association of African Nations (FCAAN) in enhancing the capacity of Football Coaches in Nigeria.

Akinwunmi, who is also the Chairman of Lagos State Football Association, made this known on a visit to the FCAAN ‘C’ course ongoing in the Ondo State capital, Akure on Tuesday. “I am impressed with what I have seen here because there is nothing to trump capacity –building and capacity –enhancement in any profession. Training the trainers is an important aspect of football and other sports, and what FCAAN is doing can be seen in this light.”

The seven-day programme which started on Monday has about 100 coaches in attendance. Akinwunmi spent time with the participants during match analysis session and was impressed by what he saw. FCAAN President, Dr Terry Eguaoje explained to Akinwunmi that the body presently has some of its trained coaches working in India, Oman and Benin Republic.

The NFF chieftain was in company with Chairman of the Ekiti State Football Association, Mr Bayo Olanlege and other top officials of the State Football Associations of Ondo and Ekiti States. Olanlege described the coaching programme as lofty and opined that it should be encouraged.

Eguaoje, who is NFF’s Consultant on Coaching and Development, made known his position that Football Coaches in Nigeria should start directing the affairs of the National Teams in no distant time. The ‘C’ course will round off on Saturday.

Share on Facebook

Sports

Dr. Andiir Solomon Atoo Honored with SWAN Diamond Jubilee Award for Outstanding Contributions to Sports

Published

1 hour ago

November 1, 2025

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar

Benue-born sports administrator and philanthropist, Dr. Andiir Solomon Atoo, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) for recognizing his contribution to sports development in Benue State and Nigeria at large.

Dr. Atoo, who serves as President of Flight Sports Nigeria Limited and Founder of Flight Football Club, Gboko, received the honour during the association’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration in Abuja.

Speaking after receiving the prestigious award, Dr. Atoo described the recognition as a “special motivation and encouragement” to continue contributing to sports growth across the country.

“I’m very happy and honoured. This award means a lot to me because it serves as motivation and encouragement. It’s something very special and not something I take lightly,” he said.

A respected sports administrator, CEO, and humanitarian, Dr. Atoo has built a sterling reputation for his commitment to nurturing young talents and promoting grassroots sports in Benue State.

Through Flight Sports Nigeria Limited, which oversees a range of sporting disciplines including football, volleyball, basketball, lawn tennis, and para sports, he has created opportunities for young athletes to develop their potential and pursue professional careers.

Under his leadership, Flight Football Club Gboko has become a platform for discovering and grooming promising footballers who have gone on to make their mark both locally and internationally. Beyond football, his investment in volleyball, lawn tennis, para sports, and basketball has revitalized interest and participation in these disciplines within Benue and beyond.

Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Atoo noted that his involvement in sports began purely out of passion but has now grown into a lifelong mission.

“It all started as a passion, but over time, it has become part of me — a culture,” he stated. “This recognition only drives me to do more for the progress of our youth and the development of sports in Benue State and Nigeria.”

He also extended his appreciation to sports journalists in the state and across Nigeria for their continuous support and constructive criticism, noting that their work plays a vital role in shaping sports administration and inspiring excellence.
Looking ahead, Dr. Atoo reaffirmed his dedication to empowering young athletes and improving sports structures in the region.

> “Going forward, we’re going to achieve great things in Benue. My message to sports lovers, administrators, and players is simple — stay dedicated, keep believing, and together we can make sports a major unifying force in our state and beyond,” he concluded.

The recognition by SWAN adds to Dr. Atoo’s growing list of honours as a sports leader, CEO, and philanthropist whose initiatives continue to drive youth empowerment and sports development across multiple disciplines in Benue State and Nigeria.

Share on Facebook