Ahamefula Marvellous Chigozirim, a student of advanced coaching at the National Institute for Sports (NIS), has shared insights into the challenges grassroots coaches face and his thoughts on Eric Chelle’s squad selection for the upcoming 2026 world cup qualifiers.
Chigozirim, who previously coached New Evangel Football Academy in Bayelsa State, explained his motivation for enrolling at NIS. “I came to NIS to broaden my knowledge in the coaching field. I also want to upgrade myself and not just be an ordinary coach without certification. I want to be certified so that I will be recognized. And I came here to have the opportunity to network,” he said.
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He noted that the program had expanded his perspective on talent development. “My coming here has also broadened my perspective in the sense of getting to send players to other academies. I am coming here to meet other coaches who will link me up to better opportunities. It’s a privilege coming to NIS.”
Reflecting on his coaching journey, Chigozirim admitted that he had never played professional football but developed a passion for the sport. He also described the difficulties that come with coaching at the grassroots level. “Football from the grassroots is very challenging because, as a coach, you must motivate the players. The players also have their own challenges; sometimes, they don’t have food.
The way things are in this country, boots are so expensive, so they become a burden to you as a coach. Sometimes, you must buy boots for them, especially those younger ones, the U-13s, to encourage them. Most times, there is nothing to lean on, but because of your passion for coaching, you keep going. It has not been easy for grassroots coaches.”
When asked about government intervention, Chigozirim suggested a partnership approach rather than a full takeover of privately owned teams. “I think one of the supports they can give is providing training facilities. The provision of training materials goes a long way. And, of course, those training materials—balls, bibs, and other things—cost a lot for the coach to provide himself.
If the government can help, it will go a long way. If the coach knows that he will get some support from the government every year, this will allow him to focus on other areas that the government might not be able to reach.”
Speaking on how NIS training has shaped his coaching style, he acknowledged that his approach had significantly improved. “Before, we did our training randomly, not knowing the purpose of a specific training. But coming to NIS, I’ve been taught that you must have a plan in every training. Before I came to NIS, we didn’t normally have a plan written down.
You go to the field with the training plans in your head, but it’s not documented. We don’t have any plans. So, coming to NIS, if I did not learn anything else, I’ve learned that before you get into the field, you have to document your training programs, put it in writing, and follow a structured warm-up routine.”
Regarding Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles squad for the 2026 world cup qualifiers, Chigozirim pointed out that there were minimal changes. “For me, his squad is the same squad that has played before. I didn’t see any new inclusion. The same players who have been invited before are still on the list. I’m not judging him yet.
Let’s see how it goes from the match against Rwanda. From there, we can ascertain whether he is making progress or not. But still, the same faces and the same players—just one or two changes, but 90% of the players are the old ones.”
When asked if Chelle should have made more drastic changes, Chigozirim supported the coach’s approach. “For me, it would be too early to start doing a total overhaul. I think what he’s trying to do is to see them play. Then, after the first match, he can begin making his changes. I don’t think it would be right for him just to come and start overhauling the team.
The team is not bad, anyway. It’s a good team. He picked up where the other coach left. It’s not a bad idea. But as the game progresses, we believe that we will see those changes. But for now, I think it is best for him to make do with what is available. Then, as he progresses, he can now make some changes.”
As the Super Eagles prepare for their qualifiers, and grassroots coaches continue their work in developing young talents, Chigozirim’s insights reflect the pressing need for better support structures in Nigerian football.
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