Chief Edeh Inspires Benue Coaches at NIS Abuja, Sets Target to Train 500 Grassroots Instructors

Thursday, October 23, 2025, will be remembered for a long time by Benue State grassroots football coaches attending the Basic Coaching Course at the National Institute for Sports in Abuja. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and emotion as the Chairman of the Benue State Football Association, Chief Dr Paul Edeh Esq, visited the 18 coaches currently on full scholarship through his sponsorship.

The Class Governor and leader of the Benue delegation, Mr Shadrack Ugah, who spoke on behalf of the participants, said the visit was both humbling and inspiring. He thanked the FA Chairman for his generosity and fatherly concern, describing the gesture as one that has changed the story of grassroots coaching in Benue. “We feel seen, supported and inspired. Sir, your visit means more than words can express. We promise to justify this investment by being good ambassadors of Benue State,” Ugah said, as his colleagues nodded in agreement.

Responding, Chief Edeh commended the coaches for their commitment and charged them to carry themselves as leaders in character and discipline. “You are not just here to learn, you are here to build the future,” he said. “Leadership in football is not about position or age, it is about mentality, sacrifice and consistency. If you carry yourselves with the right attitude, the respect will follow.”

He explained that his vision is to see Benue coaches rise to national and international relevance through knowledge and professionalism. “Every great player begins under a good coach,” he said. “That is why we are investing in you. Coaching is the heart of football development. When we strengthen you, we strengthen the entire system.”

Chief Edeh also urged the participants to embrace the business side of football, saying that true development goes beyond passion. “You must understand the economics of football. It is not enough to train players; you must also learn how to benefit from your effort. When you develop a player, you are creating value, and that value should bring reward to you and to Benue State,” he said.

He revealed that over three million naira had already been committed to the sponsorship and welfare of the coaches and announced further support to make their stay in Abuja more comfortable. He directed that funds be provided for improved hostel accommodation and promised shirts and caps for all participants, adding, “When I return, I want to see all of you in uniform. We must look like one family. And let me say this, I expect the best graduating student in this course to come from Benue.”

The coaches cheered and applauded as their benefactor spoke with warmth and conviction. The session soon turned emotional as one of the beneficiaries who had earlier been sponsored for the NFF D License Coaching Course Mac Imenger presented his certificate to the Chairman in appreciation. Chief Edeh smiled as he received it and said, “This is what gives me joy, to see you grow, to see you improve, and to know that something good is happening because of these opportunities.”

Reaffirming his long-term vision for grassroots coaching, Chief Edeh announced a new target to train at least 500 Benue coaches through the National Institute for Sports. “It may sound ambitious, but it is achievable,” he said. “We have started already, and we will not stop until Benue football becomes a reference point for others.”

He ended by urging the coaches to uphold unity and purpose. “This is not about me,” he said, “it is about all of us. Let us make Benue football strong again. When you return, carry this fire with you. Use your knowledge to change your communities. The players you train today will become the pride of our state tomorrow.”

As the FA Chairman departed, the coaches burst into songs and cheers, surrounding him with gratitude and admiration. Their faces told a story of renewed faith and purpose, one that echoed the spirit of a new beginning for football in Benue State. It was a day that ended with smiles, hope and the promise of a brighter future for the game they love.