BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Benue
The Chairman of the Benue State Football Association (BSFA), Chief Dr. Paul Edeh has inspired 18 grassroots football coaches from the state currently undergoing a Basic Coaching Course at the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Abuja, as part of his scholarship programme aimed at building capacity and professionalism among local instructors.
Chief Edeh, who personally visited the participants on Thursday charged them to see themselves as ambassadors of the state and future leaders of football development.
The visit, according to the coaches, was a morale booster that reaffirmed the FA Chairman’s commitment to grassroots football.
“We feel seen, supported, and inspired. Sir, your visit means more than words can express. We promise to justify this investment by being good ambassadors of Benue State,” Ugah said.
In his address, Chief Edeh commended the coaches for their dedication and urged them to conduct themselves with discipline and leadership.
“You are not just here to learn; you are here to build the future,” he said. “Leadership in football is not about position or age; it is about mentality, sacrifice, and consistency. If you carry yourselves with the right attitude, the respect will follow.”
He explained that his long-term vision is to raise a new generation of qualified coaches who will drive the growth of football in Benue and beyond.
“Every great player begins under a good coach,” he noted. “That is why we are investing in you. Coaching is the heart of football development. When we strengthen you, we strengthen the entire system.”
Chief Edeh also urged the participants to view football as both a passion and an enterprise, stressing the need to understand the economics of the game.
“It is not enough to train players; you must also learn how to benefit from your effort. When you develop a player, you are creating value, and that value should bring reward to you and to Benue State,” he said.
The FA Chairman disclosed that over ₦3 million had been committed to the sponsorship and welfare of the coaches and announced additional support to improve their stay in Abuja. He directed that funds be released for better hostel accommodation and promised to provide branded shirts and caps for the participants.
“When I return, I want to see all of you in uniform. We must look like one family. And let me say this — I expect the best graduating student in this course to come from Benue,” he added.
The atmosphere turned emotional when one of the beneficiaries, Mac Imenger, who had earlier benefitted from the NFF D-License Coaching Course, presented his certificate to Chief Edeh in appreciation. The FA Chairman received it with pride, saying:
“This is what gives me joy — to see you grow, to see you improve, and to know that something good is happening because of these opportunities.”
Reaffirming his long-term commitment, Chief Edeh announced a new target to train at least 500 grassroots coaches through the National Institute for Sports.
“It may sound ambitious, but it is achievable. We have started already, and we will not stop until Benue football becomes a reference point for others,” he declared.
He urged the coaches to promote unity and purpose, adding that the initiative was about collective progress, not personal glory.
“This is not about me; it is about all of us. Let us make Benue football strong again. When you return, carry this fire with you. Use your knowledge to change your communities. The players you train today will become the pride of our state tomorrow,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Shadrack Ugah, the Class Governor and leader of the Benue delegation, described the visit as “humbling and inspiring.”
The visit ended on a high note as the coaches sang and cheered, expressing gratitude for what they described as a rare display of leadership and compassion.
Many of them said the encounter had renewed their passion and sense of purpose, marking a fresh chapter for grassroots football development in Benue State.
