Thiago Conde, Beyond Limits academy’s Technical Director, shares his insights on the boys’ performance at the Gothia Cup in Gothenburg.
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“This is our second year here,” Conde begins. “Last year was our first time, and it’s been a fine experience. In Nigeria, we have a main team, Remo Stars, and several youth teams: under 17, under 15, under 13, and under 10.
The under 13s only play friendly games, training twice a week with games on Saturdays. The under 15s play in Nigeria’s third division, and the under 17s in the second league.”
He explains the academy’s philosophy: “We know we are going to lose games, but we lose now to win in the future. Last year, our under 17 team entered the second league for the first time.
People were scared, thinking we couldn’t compete with the bigger teams. But we encouraged them to go out and play without fear, and we ended up champions, promoted to the first division.”
When asked about the pressure of playing on a big stage like the Gothia Cup, Conde is confident: “The boys are focused on what they want. Winning is great, but losing and drawing are part of the game. Discipline is the most important for us.”
Conde also highlights the academy’s educational aspect: “We have a school within the academy. The boys attend school in the morning and train throughout the day. The under 17s have additional gym sessions in the evening.”
Beyond Limits is known not only for their football skills but also for their style. “Last year, we won a prize for the best-dressed team. We brought traditional clothes, and this year, we’ve done the same. It’s beautiful and we hope to win again.”
Regarding their ambitions at the Gothia Cup, Conde is clear: “If I tell you the goal is not to win, I’m lying. Our goal is to win, but to do so properly and correctly.”
