Benue State Football Association Inaugurates 18 Newly Elected Local Government Football Chairmen

Strategic Insights -

In a major move to revitalize grassroots football development in Benue State, the Benue State Football Association (BSFA) has inaugurated 18 newly elected Local Government football chairmen, marking a significant step towards making the state a powerhouse in Nigerian football. Dr. Paul Edeh, the BSFA Chairman, has emphasized the need to discover talents from every corner of Benue's 23 local government areas, moving away from solely relying on "already made" footballers. The BSFA aims to elevate grassroots football to an enviable level and make Benue State the hub of football in the country.

Key Takeaways:

  • The BSFA has inaugurated 18 newly elected Local Government football chairmen, with caretaker committees to be appointed for the remaining 5 local governments that have not conducted their elections.
  • Dr. Edeh has emphasized the need to discover talents from every corner of Benue's 23 local government areas, moving away from solely relying on "already made" footballers.
  • The BSFA has tasked the new chairmen with organising inclusive local tournaments that would provide equal opportunities for emerging players.
  • The association is facing challenges such as lack of subvention and limited home support, which contributed to Lobi Stars FC's recent relegation.
  • The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Dr. Philip Nongu, has pledged the Ministry's support for the local football administrators and disclosed that coaches have been dispatched across all LGAs to scout for raw talent.
  • Lobi Stars FC's Chairman, Dr. Philip Nongu, also serves as Chairman of the BSFA and is confident that with dedication and diligence, they can take Lobi back to continental competitions and usher in a new era for Benue football.

Statistics:

  • 18 Local Government football chairmen have been inaugurated, with 5 local governments still pending elections due to lack of elections.
  • The BSFA aims to elevate grassroots football to an enviable level and make Benue State the hub of football in the country.
  • Lobi Stars FC has recently been relegated due to limited home support and lack of talents from the grassroots.
  • The Ministry of Youth and Sports has dispatched coaches across all LGAs to scout for raw talent.
  • The BSFA lacks subvention, which is a major challenge in achieving their goals.

Sources:

  • Information Nigeria
  • Benue State Football Association
  • Ministry of Youth and Sports, Benue State