In a gathering of football enthusiasts and professionals for the 1XBET press conference at the prestigious Radisson Blu in Ikeja on September 25th, 2023, former Nigerian international footballer, Festus Odini, shared his thoughts on the 1XBET CUP initiative, expressing his enthusiasm for its potential impact on Nigerian football.
Read Also: NPFL 2023/2024 Gets New Kickoff Date, Clubs To Get N10m Each As Takeoff Grant
He lauded the initiative as a commendable step towards football development in Nigeria, highlighting its significance in fostering the growth of the sport. He commended 1XBET for their commitment to nurturing football talent at the grassroots level.
“It’s a great innovation. The entire concept is commendable. This is all about nurturing football, essentially football development, and it’s a step in the right direction. It’s a wonderful initiative,” said Festus Odini to Sports 247.
He also expressed his support for the idea of 40 former footballers mentoring the 40 participating teams in the 1XBET CUP, saying, “That’s a fantastic idea as well. Guiding the players and sharing knowledge with these young talents is a great initiative by the program’s organizers.”
Odini mentioned his willingness to be a mentor himself and share his expertise, especially as he played as an attacker in the Nigeria U-17 team. He emphasized, “We’re all in a continuous learning process. No one knows it all. The knowledge I gained during my playing days can be passed down to these emerging talents.”
He stressed the importance of holistic mentoring, encompassing not just physical training but also off-field aspects. “Football can be quite complex. It’s crucial to guide them in on and off-field matters,” he added.
Other News: FCT Is Open To Investors – Minister of State Affirms
When asked about adapting old methodologies to the ever-evolving game of football, Odini remarked, “The core principles remain the same, but they may be presented differently now. Discipline is the key, both on and off the field. Once you master that, you become a well-rounded footballer.”
Festus Odini, though no longer actively playing, stays connected to the sport through events like the Veterans Cup, which, as he puts it, helps him keep both body and soul together.
Festus Odini’s endorsement of the 1XBET CUP initiative reflects the positive reception it has garnered within the football community, as it aims to shape the future of Nigerian football through mentorship, development, and discipline.
