By Wakawaka Sports
Veteran Lagos footballer, Alfred Kosi, has called on stakeholders to revive the grassroots football structure that produced outstanding talents in Lagos during the 1970s and 1980s.
Kosi, who was born in Surulere, Lagos, recalled that football development was once built around a clear pathway from primary school to secondary school, street football and higher levels of the game.
He said talent and passion were major driving forces behind football during the period, stressing that the game attracted youngsters who were determined to develop their abilities.
Football has to go with passion. We need people who know the game and are knowledgeable about it. Former players can become coaches, while passionate journalists can also contribute as stakeholders,β he said.
Kosi also emphasised the importance of character and quality in football development, noting that talent alone was not enough to build successful players and a sustainable football system.
He urged football authorities and other stakeholders to return to the drawing board and rebuild the grassroots structure, saying talented youngsters are still scattered across the country but lack adequate opportunities for identification and development.
βThe talents are there, but the structure is not good enough. We must bring back the structure from primary school to secondary school and beyond,β Kosi said.
He added that strengthening the grassroots system would provide a clearer pathway for young players to develop their talents and contribute to the future growth of Nigerian football.
