NIGERIA’S FOOTBALL FUTURE LIES IN GRASSROOTS AND GLOBAL EXPOSURE

By: Gyang Dakwo

As Nigerian football continues to struggle both on the continent and globally, a renewed call has been made to return to the basics by investing in homegrown talent. One voice leading that call is Coach Olayinka Olagbemiro, President of Youth Arise Football Academy (YAFA) and a board member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), who believes the key to Nigeria’s football revival lies in the grassroots.

YAFA, a fast-growing youth football movement, currently operates in six Nigerian cities—Abuja, Jos, Port Harcourt, Birnin Kebbi, Lagos, and Calabar. It is planning the largest football camp in Africa next month across these locations, aimed at discovering and grooming the next generation of Nigerian football stars.

Speaking to Abuja Digest, Olagbemiro said Nigeria once earned global respect in football because of a proper development system that discovered players early and nurtured them into professionals. That model, he stressed, must return.

“We must go back to grassroots football development. We cannot dodge it,” he said. “We must invest in it properly and draw up a clear roadmap. Nigeria is blessed with so much talent, but they need mentorship and structure—and that is exactly what YAFA is offering.”

He explained that the “Catch Them Young” approach, long used by successful footballing nations, remains the secret to sustained success. He added that YAFA not only trains young footballers but also exposes them to life beyond the pitch.

“Football today is more than just playing. It is a global industry. Even those who may not be skilled players can find opportunities in other areas,” Olagbemiro said. “At YAFA, we help build confidence and provide guidance for young people interested in sports medicine, law, finance, and club management.”

The academy also offers international exposure. Recently, a team from YAFA visited the Caribbean island of St Kitts and Nevis, where they played friendly matches and interacted with local communities. Olagbemiro said the experience gave the players a broader view of the world and shaped their character for the future.

With many schools in Nigeria lacking sports facilities, Olagbemiro urged both public and private stakeholders to prioritise grassroots development. “If we do not act now, the decline will continue,” he warned. “But with the right investment and planning, Nigeria can once again take its place among the world’s football giants.”