During the NLO2 match between Vyning FC and Deluxe FC at the Legacy pitch of the National Stadium, Surulere, Sports 247 had the opportunity to catch up with Ikechukwu Nwankwo.
The team manager for Vyning United FC based in Ikeja GRA, spoke passionately about their commitment to grassroots football and evangelism through sports. While the club has been participating in the NLO for about seven seasons, the current NLO2 team is a young one making its debut.
Despite the players’ relative inexperience, Ikechukwu expressed high expectations for them, as they compete against other young teams in the tournament. He emphasized the club’s focus on nurturing and developing these young talents.
“We expect them to do well in this tournament. Even though they are quite young, it is a learning curve for them, and they are properly motivated, paid, and taken care of, so our expectations for them are high. They are actually playing on a level field with their peers,” Ikechukwu stated.
The team manager emphasized the significance of grassroots football in Nigeria. While he appreciated the efforts of the NLO organizers in promoting U19 football, he stressed the need to catch players at a younger age, particularly within the schooling system. Ikechukwu cited the example of Lionel Messi, who was discovered by Barcelona at just eight years old, highlighting the impact of early talent identification.
As for the club’s future plans, Ikechukwu revealed their focus on developing young players, stating, “We want to focus on and develop them. The older players can go to NLL and travel and do other things. The important thing is we want to develop from the grassroots so we can make an impact.”
Offering advice to other grassroots team managers and club owners, Ikechukwu stressed the importance of commitment, organization, and motivation. He acknowledged the financial challenges but emphasized that young players require fewer material things and can thrive with the right focus and support.
Being affiliated with a church, Vyning United FC also embraces evangelism. Ikechukwu explained that the motivation for starting the football club was rooted in evangelism. By engaging young people in something they enjoy, they also instil values and spiritual growth.
“We hold fellowships, and we even had holy communion in the morning before coming for this match. So, we try to keep them grounded, we keep them focused. It is evangelism. Their souls are more important than even the career we are trying to nurture,” Ikechukwu affirmed.
As Vyning United FC continues to nurture young talent and spread the message of evangelism through sports, their commitment to developing future football stars remains unwavering.
