Sports 247.ng caught up with Coach Aigbe Jonathan during a training session with his team at the Eko Boys High School field.
Coach Jonathan is in charge of coaching the U8/10 team of Tuto Atlanta FC, a club that has been in existence for a year.
He has been with the team since its inception. The U8/10 team trains at Eko Boys High School, while the U13 and older players train at Megbon Zone D in Mushin. Training sessions take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at the Eko Boys field, and on Thursdays at the alternate field in Megbon.
Coach Jonathan’s decision to join Tuto FC stems from his desire to nurture young players. He himself started his football career as a young player on the Eko Boys field.
Throughout his career, he has played for FC Success, Rovers FC, Stationeries Stores in Nigeria, and SC Villa in Uganda. He has also participated in various trials in Asian countries. Returning to Nigeria, he aimed to contribute to the growth and development of grassroots football.
Speaking to Sports 247, Coach Aigbe Jonathan expressed, “I came back to see how I can contribute. In football, they say age is not always on your side, so I had to step down and pursue other endeavors while still dedicating my time to the younger ones.”
When discussing his goals for the young players, Coach Jonathan emphasized that they depend on the team’s board and their vision. He stated, “As a coach, I want to see the young players develop, and we work with the goals set by the team’s board. We are still in the early stages of growth, and our objective is to witness the players excel.”
As of now, the team has not participated in any major competitions outside of Mushin. Coach Jonathan explained,
“We are still in the early stages of development, and we haven’t had the opportunity to compete in larger tournaments. While we have played some games on the Eko Boys field, they are not suitable for taking the team around. Therefore, our matches are primarily played on our home ground until better facilities are established.”
On the other hand, the older age categories have taken part in several competitions and are currently engaged in league competitions.
Coach Jonathan offered advice to grassroots coaches, highlighting the importance of tolerance and patience. He emphasized that the background of the players at home often influences their behavior on the field. He added, “One must be patient and possess effective communication skills that resonate well with the players. Ultimately, it’s crucial to exercise patience with them.”
Outside of coaching, Coach Jonathan is a skilled fabricator and welder. He finds joy in his work and enjoys the pursuit of his craft.
