Kwara Kiddies League Appoints Technical Study Group

The Kwara Kiddies League has announced the constitution of a Technical Study Group to monitor, evaluate, and provide technical direction for the ongoing season.The group will have Coach Paul Odey, former Technical Director of the Kwara Football Academy and coach of the defunct Mobil Pegasus of Eket, who brings over four decades of grassroots coaching experience across Nigeria.

He has also served as consultant to the Kebbi State Government on football development.

Other members of the group include: Coach Taofeek Babatunde, former Plateau United captain and coach of Barrier Sports Club.Coach Isiaka Gambari, current head coach of the University of Ilorin football team.

Coach Sam Elijah, ex-international, 1989 FIFA U20 World Cup finalist, former Nigeria U23 captain, and Technical Director of the Kwara Football Academy. Coach Ashifat Sulyman, head coach of Kwara United FC of Ilorin.

According to the Chief Operating Officer of the League, Ibrahim Jatto, the mandate of the group is to monitor the remaining 16 weeks of matches in the league, beginning with the resumption on 20 September 2025.

They will assess coaching methodologies, tactical instructions, and the overall technical depth of participating teams.

The group will present a preliminary report after 10 weeks of action, after which a seminar will be held to address identified challenges before the conclusion of the season.

“This initiative is in line with FIFA’s global best practices and our commitment to grassroots football development,” Jatto stated.

A preliminary report will be delivered after 10 weeks, with a seminar planned before the end of the season to address technical challenges facing academies and coaches.

Jatto said the move mirrors FIFA’s global development framework: “This group was chosen because of their long-standing commitment to grassroots football and talent discovery.”

“Their work will help us raise the level for the league and produce even better players for the future.”