A football enthusiast in Onitsha, Anambra, Stanley Okafor, has called on the three tiers of government to focus on age-group football as a means of combating crime in Nigeria. He believes this approach can engage the youth socially and economically, thereby reducing the likelihood of juvenile delinquency. Okafor, also a legal practitioner, made this appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Onitsha.
Okafor's comments come on the heels of Nigeria's under-17 women's national team, the Flamingos, winning the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Rabat, Morocco, by defeating Japan 2-1. He expressed concern over the neglect of age-grade and school football in Nigeria. According to him, competitions like the Shell Under 14 Competition, Inter Secondary Schools Football Competition, and World Secondary Schools Football Tournament have contributed to strengthening youth focus, developing talents, and preventing juvenile delinquency, cultism, and crime.
The football enthusiast hailed the Flamingos for their victory and urged Nigeria's football administrators to sustain this achievement, especially after a series of disappointing outings by the senior national teams. He noted that the victory of the Flamingos is a celebratory development in Nigerian football, particularly following a series of disappointing outcomes for the senior national teams.
Okafor's suggestion is based on his observation that age-group football competitions have the potential to engage the youth and channel their energy positively. By supporting these competitions, the government can help prevent juvenile delinquency and crime. He emphasized that this approach can have a lasting impact on the nation's socio-economic development.
The victory of the Flamingos makes Nigeria the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 World Cup in both the men's and women's categories. This achievement has been met with widespread acclaim, and Okafor's call to focus on age-group football has resonated with many stakeholders in the football industry.
Okafor's advocacy for age-group football is not new; he has consistently emphasized the importance of investing in youth football development. He believes that by providing opportunities for young people to engage in sports, the government can help reduce the incidence of crime and promote social cohesion.
As the Nigerian football community continues to celebrate the Flamingos' victory, Okafor's suggestion is likely to generate further discussion on the role of football in combating crime and promoting national development. The government and football administrators will be expected to consider his proposal and explore ways to support age-group football competitions.
Key points
- Okafor urges government to focus on age-group football to combat crime and engage youth.
