Coach Abdullhi Biffo Urges Football Stakeholders to Embrace Continuous Training, Calls for Reduced Government Interference in Club Management
_By Adexsports_
Former Kwara United Gaffer Abdullahi Biffo has charged football administrators, referees, coaches, sports journalists, players, and other stakeholders to prioritize continuous training and retraining to raise operational standards in Nigerian football.
Speaking as a special guest at the _Kwara SWAN Sports Hard Talk_ session held Friday at the Taiwo Awoniyi SWAN Secretariat in Ilorin, Biffo said seeking more knowledge is essential for anyone aiming to impact and upgrade football management and practice in Nigeria.
“It is time we told ourselves the bitter truth: we must improve our practices and seek more knowledge, just as it is done in the Western world,” Biffo said. “There is nothing wrong with retraining ourselves to meet global best practices.”
On Government Involvement in Club Management
Biffo called for limited government involvement in Nigerian club football, insisting the game should be run as a business, not as a tool to compensate political loyalists, friends, or family members with no knowledge or genuine interest in developing the sport.
“Football must be professionally run in line with global best practices,” he stated. “The major difference between privately owned and government-owned clubs is that private investors see football as a business venture, while many government clubs are often used to reward political loyalists.”
He noted that government-owned clubs remain relevant largely due to financial support, despite lacking accountability and due process. “Nigerian football can only improve when private clubs are allowed to thrive,” he added.
Praise for NNL’s Transparency
The veteran coach commended the George Aluo-led Nigeria National League board for its transparency, fairness, and discipline in managing the second-tier league. He praised the promotion of four private clubs to the NPFL for the 2026/27 season, describing the NNL as a vital and credible bridge between the NNL and NPFL.
Call for Stakeholder Development
Biffo emphasized the need for regular education, training, and retraining of coaches, players, referees, sports administrators, and sports journalist whose roles are vital in improving football upgrading operational standards in Nigeria.
He appealed to journalists to help sensitize stakeholders on the importance of continuous development for the growth of football in the country.
On Kwara United’s Struggles and Fan Conduct
Addressing Kwara United’s current struggles, Biffo urged stakeholders to continue supporting Coach Ashifat Suleiman, noting that such challenges could happen to any team.
He also stressed the need to properly educate fans against stadium violence, stating that the club’s exile from its home ground should serve as a lesson on the consequences of impatience and disorderliness.
SWAN, Stakeholders React
In his remarks, Kwara SWAN Chairman Ayodeji Ismail said _Sports Hard Talk_ was created as a platform to engage stakeholders on crucial issues aimed at advancing sports development in the state.
He lauded Biffo’s swift response to the invitation despite short notice, describing his appearance as a reflection of his vast coaching experience.
SWAN Chairman also acknowledged Biffo’s consistent support for Kwara United and ABS FC through cash rewards for Man of the Match winners in the NPFL and NNL, calling it a strong motivation for players.
Earlier, ABS FC Director of Football, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka, and Chairman Emeritus, Mr. Bunmi Adedoyin, advocated for training and enlightenment among stakeholders to prevent future crowd disturbances, reminding all that Kwara is known for peace.
Support for SWAN, Call for Coaching Seminar
Coach Biffo later donated $500 on behalf of Ambassador Abdulfatah Yahaya Seriki as support for the SWAN Secretariat.
Meanwhile, Coach Kado, a member of Biffo’s entourage and N-Youth League U-19 champion, appealed to Kwara SWAN to leverage the presence of Biffo and other top coaches in the state by organizing seminars or workshops for local coaches.
“This will help them tap from their wealth of experience,” he said.
Adexsports
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