Adopt-A-Talent Sports Programme: Erico Seeks Parents’ Support

The newly appointed Chief Coach of Football of Adopt- A-Talent Sports Programme, Joe Erico, has advised parents to support their kids during the second phase of the programme.

The former assistant coach of the Super Eagles, who was appointed to be in charge of the football players of the programme, told P.M.Sports that parents have a major role to play for their kids to succeed in the programme, which was initiated by the Senior Special Assistant on Grassroots Sports Development to the Governor, Prince Wale Oladunjoye.

Erico said he is ready to bring out the best in all the kids in camp if their parents can release them for training throughout the period of the programme.

“I need the cooperation of the parents to give their kids the best training. I am happy to take the job because I am a coach who believes in football development,” said Erico who wants parents to come and watch their kids during the training programme at the Nigeria Institute for Sports, NIS, football pitch during the Easter holiday next month.

One of the football’s assistant coaches, Ademola Fakorede, who is excited to work with Erico, told P.M.Sports that Adopt-A-Talent Sports Programme is a project, where young kids that fall within the ages of 5-15 exhibit their skills and will be brought to the limelight.

Meanwhile, the Management Committee of the programme has selected 30 coaches for the second phase of the project. Joe Mensah will handle Boxing and will be assisted by Wasiu Bisiriyu and Daniel Faseso.

Basketball has another former national coach and Director of Sports in Lagos, Ganiyu Otenigbagbe, as the Head Coach. He will be assisted by Coach of Zenith Bank Women Premier League side, Deepwater Basketball Club, Lateef Erinfolami, Yinka Oyewunmi and Olamide Agbeseyi.

Uruemu Adu has been appointed as chief coach of Athletics, while Bamidele Solomon and Saheed Okeola will assist him. Oluwole Orukotan is in charge of Table Tennis. He will be assisted by Olasumbo Dele and Ganiyu Kadiri.

In addition, Edokpolo takes charge in Judo, with Coach Gbenga Orteje as assistant. Patrick Edem will be in charge of Gymnastics with John Oyewuwo and Chinedu Ajero as assistants.

Olusina John has been appointed as the Head Coach of Karate. He has Alfred Fatolu and Jude Oyibokure as assistants, while Swimming has Goodie Emefuna as Head Coach. He will be assisted by Mrs. Eniola Omope and Abiodun Ojomo. Suraj Onatuga was also appointed as Head coach of Volleyball, while Gift Sowemimo was appointed as the Chaperon for the programme.

—Sunday Akintoye