21st October, 2011
Youth football players in Ilorin, Kwara State, received a toast of modern techniques in football from former goalkeeper of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Peter Rufai in the ongoing football clinic organised by Staruf Football Academy for Nestle Nig. Plc, maker of Nestle milo.
About 2000 players within ages 10-15 registered for the clinic which is taking place at the Ilorin Township Stadium. After rigorous training 500 were selected out of which 250 were picked to log out for the final 32 players.
The 32 players were divided into two of 16 players to play a final match which will determine the winners of the weeklong football clinic tomorrow.
Football fans and dignitaries, who included Kwara State Sports Commissioner, commended Rufai, who was fondly called Dodo Mayana in his playing days in the Eagles, for bringing modern football to youth players in Ilorin.
Before the football clinic, a seminar was held for grassroots coaches and players to abreast them on the new scientific methods and approach of playing football. The players were specifically taught on the basic rudiments for them to become better players.
Speaking in one of his teaching during the event, Rufai noted that the best way a coach and player can make it in the fast improving modern football is to constantly updating his knowledge on the game.
“It was when I retired from the national team and went abroad to update myself on the game that I realised the importance of education in football. I believe Staruf Football Academy will help our grassroots coaches and players to fill this important gap they need to make it in their chosen career,†he said.