Kwara Football Academy technical director, ex-international, coach Samuel Elijah MON, who is now a football Administrator and seasoned coach at Kwara Football Academy
says “am giving back to my society after a long period of contribution to football development in Nigeria and abroad”
“It is good to catch them young, teach them, nurture them and build them for the future challenges. Football has move away from old school days, it is now technology based with modern initiatives”
“I started my football career from secondary school days, where I represented Nigeria in final world secondary school football tournament in Finland, where we emerged overall champion”
“Came back home to play with Kwara Bombers, 3SC now shooting stars, where I was able to captain the team, I played with Sharks of PortHarcurt, BBC lion of Gboko, also played outside the country with Akha Al Alay of Beruit for two season 1998/ 2000, Al Nijimah Saudi 2000 and finally played for Nigeria National team under 20 world cup, in SAUDI 89, where I earned the name “miracle of Dammam”
“Nigeria was down by 4-0 and we were able to equalized within only about 15 minutes to the end the game, it was an unforgettable memory in the history of football all over the world, it was a dream come true, I was so overjoyed after the game”
“Sincerely speaking, none of us saw it coming or believed in the dream, we were shown USSR tapes(video) before the game and all of us got distracted with what will saw, they were too fast with the ball, like computer with lots of skills but we encouraged ourselves never to be humiliated, though it was difficult at the beginning of the match, but thank God for the ‘solid’ team” Nigeria produced then. We were selected with merit, Nobody influenced any player for the coach. In fact, it was so difficult to drop players because we needed to travel with only 18 players out of the 22 in camp and untill the last day of traveling nobody knew who would be dropped. We were so young, talented, full of skills, so determined and well motivated. These was our secret to success in Saudi 89.
“Unless we want to deceive ourselves, we need to adopt the old styles of selecting players on merits and also see their welfarism as priority, when players are truly motivated, you see the best of them, therefore the management of football in Nigeria need to be on their toes and stand upright to avoid unnecessary excuses”
“My advise to players is to stop lobbying themselves and avoid patronizing quarke agents, who will blow lies to them, deceiving their parents through fake deals abroad, they should learn to be patient and stay focused to learn, life is a process, when you start small, you get big offer at the right time, always believe in your ability of strength, don’t be too desperate”
“I remembered playing alongside with Rashidi Yekini then in the qualifying series, though it was a short time at the National team but believe me, Rashidi Yekini is a model. Discipline, dedicated, a mentor, well reserved, quiet indeed and ambassador to all his teammate, I was able to learn one or two things from his character and believe me, if a player was able to process all this kind attributes, he will definitely excel and go far in his chosen career”
Lastly, Playing football without education is meaninglessness. many of us made the mistake in the past, neglecting scholarships given through Federal and state government because of the passion we have for football, We were too ambitious and inspired to be a legend. The mentality is old school and it can never be advised this days”
“Therefore am challenging all Footballers, coaches and administrators to marry education with whatever they are doing now because nothing lasts forever. They should learn from the mistakes of retired players who are legend but broke because they did not plan ahead”
“Finally all players should abide with the rules and advice given by government, to prevent the pandemic. Corona virus is real and let us stay alive”
“To all my fans, supporters and well wishers, I still much appreciate your love, prayers and best wishes, I love you all. please stay safe, avoid unnecessary gathering, use your face mask and always wash your hands”
@ADEXSPORTS
