18th June, 2012
Coach of the National Futsal team, Oladunni Oyekale has proffered ways on how the sport can be developed in the country.
Oyekale, who was part of the 1987 FIFA U-16 World Championship squad told P.M.Sports that the sport will grow if it is taken to the secondary schools across the federation. He believes it would create awareness for the youths, who would be willing to take part in the sport.
The ex-international noted that if the sport can thrive in other countries based on their developmental plans, then same can be done in Nigeria saying: “Futsal football can grow to higher heights if it is taken to schools, some youths, who play football have not heard of futsal football. But if the sport is brought closer to them some of them would develop interest in it”.
Continuing, Oyekale insisted that after the sport has been taken to schools, there can be a league just like the Nigeria Premier League, the amateur league and grassroots league.
He showered encomiums on the organisers of the 5-Aside tournament held in the country recently, and urged corporate bodies to stage similar tournaments.
He concluded that if there are enough futsal players in the country, that instead of playing the 11-Aside, that the 5-Aside will go a long way in helping the players hone their skills.
By Adebobola Alawode