Abuja: A football coach, Agada Ode, has urged government and other stakeholders to rehabilitate the Nyanya football pitch to boost youth development and reduce crime. Ode, Coordinator of Nyanya Football Coaches Society and Technical Head Coach of Zaki Football Academy, Nyanya, Abuja, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ode expressed concerns over the deteriorating state of the pitch, highlighting how it has disrupted training sessions and increased the risk of injuries among players during matches and practice. “The major challenge is fixing this football field. The pitch is affecting training and exposing players to injuries,” Ode emphasized. Despite the quality of footwear, players remain vulnerable to falls due to the poor surface condition.
Ode called for the installation of quality synthetic grass to enhance safety and improve player performance during competitions and training sessions. He acknowledged the efforts of former FCT senator, Sen. Philip Aduda, for prior renovations that had once significantly improved the facility. “We appreciate what Aduda did for us, but more support is needed to upgrade the pitch further,” Ode noted.
Describing the facility as one of the finest within the Nyanya-Keffi axis, Ode highlighted its role in hosting numerous grassroots tournaments over the years. He underscored the pitch’s importance as a platform for engaging youths positively, thereby discouraging their involvement in crime and other social vices. “With this pitch, we keep youths busy with football and help them stay away from crime and other negative activities,” he added.
Ode proudly shared that the academy has produced talented players who advanced to national teams and professional clubs both within and outside Nigeria. He mentioned players like Ejeh, known as ‘Kaka,’ Daniel Barnabas, and Elijah, who have played for teams such as Rangers International and Gombe United.
Vice-Captain of Zaki Football Academy, Maurice John, also commented on the club’s challenges, particularly the inadequacy of equipment at the start of the season. “When we started this year, we lacked enough equipment, but management provided balls, cones, bibs, and other training materials,” John said. He expressed his aspirations to play international football, citing his teammates’ pursuits abroad as motivation. “By God’s grace, I see myself playing abroad soon,” he shared, while also expressing his admiration for J©r©my Doku and his dream to play for Manchester City.
NAN reports that residents and stakeholders continue to advocate for improved sports facilities to support grassroots talents and positively engage young people.