From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The President of Junior Lions Legacy Football Club, Gboko, in Benue State, Barr Pius Akutah, has paid a visit to the club’s temporary training ground at Bristow Secondary School, Gboko, to encourage the players.
Akutah, who is the current Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, disclosed that his undying passion for football and lifelong love for the Junior Lions’ vision motivated him to found Junior Lions Legacy FC.
While interacting with the players and technical staff, the Club President urged them to be dedicated and stay true to the club’s vision, which he said is to provide a solid developmental foundation from which successful professional football careers can be built.
He told the players they had been presented with the same opportunity he and others had while growing up and playing for Junior Lions FC, which was the feeder team to the then BCC Lions FC, Gboko, urging them not to take it for granted.
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He stated that he and others didn’t play further after secondary school, saying, “but there were some among us who went on to play for the Nigerian national team at various levels and also at a professional club level in the Nigerian domestic league and in foreign leagues.
“It was the undying passion for football in me and the lifelong love for the Junior Lions vision that motivated me to found the Junior Lions Legacy FC,” Akutah said, as he charged the players to take the opportunity before them seriously by imbibing the virtues of hard work, commitment and discipline.
He pledged his continued commitment to the sponsorship of the club. Crucial Abua Yajir, the team’s Co-ordinator, Samuel Aindigh; and its Corporate Communications Co-ordinator, Bemgba Iortyom, variously commended his vision for the club and dedication to seeing it bear fruit.
Junior Lions Legacy FC is a developmental football project that targets identifying and grooming young footballers under 17 for onward playing careers at all levels.
The club was founded in 2023 and has a player strength of 30, with a technical staff comprising ex-Junior Lions players, many of whom have had accomplished playing careers in Nigeria and abroad, and some who possess advanced specialised training in football administration.
The crew comprises Team Co-ordinator, Samuel Aindigh; Corporate Communications Co-ordinator, Bemgba Iortyom; Head Coach, Terfa Vihishima; Assistant Coach 1, Joseph Abashi; Assistant Coach 2, Aondofa Akosu; Goalkeeper Trainer, Terhemen Liam; Physical Trainer, Terna Dzua; with Vendaga Kasar and Anter Mande as Backroom Staff.
Barr. Akutah was accompanied on the visit by an entourage of associates and staff led by his Special Adviser, Comrade Faeren Atir, who also serves as Secretary to the Club’s Management Board.