Ex-Int’l Soccer Star Calls For New Approach

Former Green Eagles of Nigeria’s Striker, Maurice Michael Udobia has called for a new approach to matches by Nigerian teams, especially in international competitions if the country is to fulfill its potentials in world football.

According to the striker who plied his trade in four local clubs, Sharks, Calabar Rovers, Stationery Stores and Bendal United before going to Spain, Nigerian teams do not play purposefully in most of their matches.

The teams tend to lack the knack to go for goals and mostly still believe in one person to breach the opponent’s vital areas.

Udobia, however said that soccer is a team game where players must work as a cohesive unit to get goals in matches.

He also believes that soccer authorities in the country must refocus on grassroots soccer, especially, street soccer to be able to unearth talents at tender ages and mould them into the national style and system.

“I believe in grassroots soccer, I started through street soccer before being spotted by my mentor, Coach Monday Sinclair.

“In Brazil, street soccer in very popular and they are reaping the dividends. It is cheap, you don’t have to spend a whole lot of money to set up a programme,” he said.

Udobia, who now lives in the US State of California is a holder of Masters Degree in Educational Councilling and working as a counselor at Vallejo Middle School. He is also a soccer coach of Vasity Soccer at Vallejo High School where the middle school’s principal, Mrs Gigi Patrick has had an immense positive influence on his life.

The ex-international football star who at different times played with Adokiye Amiesimaka, Benjy Nzeakor, Finidi George, Thompson Tom-Manuel among others would like to see Nigerian players staying back in the local league, establishing themselves before seeking greener pastures abroad.

Also, he wants to see improved conditions for the players in terms of wages and other things because according to him, “when you spend money on good players, the results will certainly come at the end of the day.”