Nigeria Grassroot football promoter, Charles Emordi has stated that lack of fundings and sponsors has been one of the major problems facing Grassroot football in Nigeria.
Charles Emordi stated this after watching the “Day 2” matches of the just concluded “Game On” Festac tournament.
In a chat with Sports 247, the Amazing Grassroot Football promoter after the matches were concluded, commended the efforts of the organizers of the just concluded tournament, as well as lamenting the lack of fundings and sponsors on our Grassroot football, stating that these problems are really affecting our football.
“Someone invited me here (at Festac) to come and witness the games and I must admit that I am very very impressed with the organizers of this tournament because I know what it takes to work in the grassroots, It’s very difficult, I have been there and I knew what it costs”.
“Over the years, there has been a neglect on Grassroot football here in Nigeria. There has been no fundings and many sponsors”.
“For Example, I take myself as a Case study. I have been running a Grassroot Football Academy for 18 years, yet I don’t have a sponsor. I have been using my money to sponsor the academy for a very long time now. Even my son has been with me since 5 years old, and I watch him grow up to 18 years, yet he hasn’t moved, which makes me feel very sad, because there is no sponsors and scouts does not come in often, unlike before, when we used to have lots of scouts and sponsors all over the country. I knew what it took me to get a move for him (my son).
“I spent a lot of money on the deal, including settling agent and everything, which most of the talented Grassroot players here might not be able to afford to get this deals”.
“That’s why we see that most of our players who are a highly talented while away most of their football career and time in the Grassroot, instead of getting lucrative deals abroad. This is because of lack of Sponsors, Scouts and the Fundings on Grassoot football here is very very poor,” he lamented.
Charles Emordi also work with the Nigerian Air Force and is a civil servant as well.
