By Amaechi Agbo

The Association of Grassroots Football Coaches, AGFC, has called on Nigeria Football Federation, NFF and various state football associations to as a matter of national importance, pay attention on grassroots football development in the country, Bestchoicesports.com.ng can report.

The association made the call Thursday following the ravaging effect of coronavirus also referred to as COVID-19 which has disrupted football activities at global and local levels.

The association also made the call in the backdrop of NFF’s Statement that in the likelihood of congested activities after the virus, it might focus greater attention on the senior teams than junior ones.

AGFC public relations officer, Uduma Goodwill in a release made available to our correspondent noted that the federation and state associations should ensure that various youth programmes, tournaments and competitions are harnessed to sustain the national teams.

The association also called on Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr to give players in the local league a chance in the team adding that such would encourage them to aspire for greater challenges.

“It is important at this point to draw the attention of the NFF and state football associations to this very important aspect of our football. No nation develops in football while neglecting the grassroots.

“Grassroots is the bedrock of football development. There is no player all over the world that is not a product of grassroots and that is why we are calling on the authorities not to kill the goose that lays the golden egg.

“We also call on the national team handlers especially the Super Eagles coach to consider inviting local players to the team. This will encourage them to aspire for greater challenges ahead.

“AGFC believes in sustaining grassroots football and that is our priority. This virus will impact negatively in football for years and this offers the authorities and stakeholders the opportunity to look inward and groom our football for greater tomorrow,” he said.

It could be recalled that the AGFC maiden grassroots football tournament was held in Abia State last year.