The 2nd edition of the Nigerian Professional Football League-LaLiga coaching clinic for Nigerian youth coaches officially kicked off in Abuja on Wednesday February 7.
The clinic is designed to train youth coaches on how to properly develop and manage young talents using the LaLiga methodology.
The five-day clinic with 50 youth coaches in attendance takes place at the National Stadium, Abuja from February 7 to 11, and it officially precedes the NPFL U-15 Promises Tournament which is scheduled to start in April across different locations in Nigeria.
Present at the opening ceremony were League Management Company Chief Operating Officer, Salihu Abubakar; Assistant Technical Director, Nigeria Football Federation, Siji Lagunju; LaLiga delegate in Nigeria, Javier del Rio; LaLiga Ambassador, Mutiu Adepoju; and LaLiga coaching instructors, Luciano Martel Santana and Antonio Alvarez.
Speaking at the press conference, Abubakar said: “We are excited to kick off the 2nd event of the coaching clinic. Last year’s edition was a huge success. Today marks another great day in our partnership with LaLiga, as they are the best league in the world, and we too aspire to be the best.”
LaLiga Ambassador in Nigeria and ex-international, Mutiu Adepoju, said the training was a follow up from the success of the 1st edition last year.
He added: “I hope the coaches not only listen but attempt to implement the insights received, and relay to their various teams.”
Also speaking at the press conference was LaLiga delegate in Nigeria, Javier del Rio, who said Nigeria has huge potential in football, but lacks grassroots development.
According to him, the clinic and the U-15 tournament coming up in a few weeks will really help with the development of football in the country.