Femi Abioye, the convener of Sport Meet Tech Africa, a platform dedicated to the integration of sports and technology, has commended the entire Nigerian football fraternity on the appointment of an all-Nigerian coaching crew for the Super Eagles, with the exception of one foreign professional. He used this opportunity to highlight a crucial moment in the development of football in Nigeria.

The recent appointment of an all-Nigerian coaching crew by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) represents a significant milestone in our national sports journey, showcasing the talent and dedication present within our borders. However, the inclusion of a foreign professional as a Football Analyst within the crew underscores a key area for development in our local talent pool: football analysis.

Football analysis is no longer a luxury but a necessity in the modern game. It serves as the backbone of strategic planning and performance enhancement. Thus, it is essential to invest in developing the capacity of our local talent to manage these roles. By doing so, we can retain our national identity within the sport and create a sustainable model for success that can be replicated across the continent.

Abioye emphasized the importance of capacity building and skill development in leveraging technology to solve problems at scale within our sports ecosystem. There is a growing demand for skilled football analysts who can interpret complex data and translate it into actionable insights for team improvement.

He also noted that investing in this area could create jobs for our youth and provide new career pathways for sports enthusiasts. By harnessing these soft skills, we can offer opportunities that extend beyond the football field.

Furthermore, Abioye highlighted the need for Nigeria and Africa to participate in global sports technological advancement, which has become a substantial industry. The global sports tech market size is estimated to reach USD 41.8 billion by 2027. Embracing technological aspects of sports will position Nigeria at the forefront of innovation in African football.

Sport Meet Tech Africa is advocating for the establishment of comprehensive capacity development training programs that cover data analysis, performance metrics, and scouting techniques. The platform seeks to form partnerships with tech firms and educational institutions to provide the necessary tools and knowledge. Additionally, Abioye called on experienced Nigerian analysts, both local and international, to mentor the next generation, ensuring the transfer of knowledge and expertise.

As Nigeria prepares for the Olympic Games in Paris 2024 and other major international sports events, Abioye urges the Ministry of Sports, the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), its Olympic-bound federations such as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Nigeria Badminton Federation, Nigeria Boxing Federation, Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, Wrestling Federation, corporate sponsors, and the government to support this initiative. Together, we can empower our homegrown talent and ensure that the future of Nigerian sports is shaped by Nigerians.

Together, we can create a legacy of excellence and innovation.