Former Nigerian footballer and UEFA B Licensed Coach, Obiora Aniche, has decried the poor state of sports infrastructure in Nigeria, describing the shortage of quality training facilities as a major setback to the growth of sports in the country.
Obiora spoke during an inspection visit to the ongoing rehabilitation of the football pitch at Model Technical College, a project being funded by him as part of his contribution to grassroots sports development.
The former HJK Helsinki player said Nigeria possesses enormous football talents capable of excelling globally if provided with the right environment and infrastructure.
According to him, inadequate sporting facilities have continued to frustrate the dreams of many talented young Nigerians who lack access to standard pitches and training centres.
“Nigeria is naturally blessed with gifted athletes and footballers, but talent alone is not enough. Without proper facilities, structured development and support systems, it becomes difficult for these young players to compete internationally,” he stated.
Reflecting on his early football years, Obiora lamented the disappearance of community playgrounds and open fields that once encouraged grassroots sports participation.
“In those days, young people had free access to open spaces where they could play football from morning till evening. Today, many of those fields have been taken over by buildings, making it difficult for young talents to grow naturally through regular play and competition,” he said.
The former Fegge FC and Udoji United player explained that his decision to rehabilitate the school pitch was informed by what he observed at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, where athletes and football teams struggle daily to find available training spaces.
“Each time I come to Asaba and train at the stadium, I see many clubs, academies and athletes moving around in search of where to train. That situation convinced me that private individuals must also contribute to sports development,” he noted.
As part of his long-term vision for sports development, Obiora also unveiled plans for a modern sports village at Akwukwu-Igbo in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.
During a tour of the proposed site, he informed members of the inspection team, including Finnish consultant Makke Martikainen and sports development consultant Olisemeka Obi, that the project would include a stadium, hostel accommodation, training pitches and other supporting facilities.
He disclosed that the sports village, which occupies more than 35 plots of land, is being designed to meet European standards and would serve both local and international teams for camping and competitions.
According to him, preparatory work on the project would commence soon, while partnership discussions with foreign collaborators are already at an advanced stage.
Obiora, who hails from Ogbaru in Anambra State, is also recognised for his support for former footballers and grassroots sporting initiatives. He is a member of the Coal City Football Legends and the Onitsha Ex-Players in Diaspora Association.
Over the years, he has sponsored several football competitions and youth sporting programmes across Asaba, Onitsha and Ogbaru, while also extending financial support to indigent ex-players.