Wonder kid Rabiu Ibrahim

Last week I was in Abuja, and I saw the Under 17s play to a 2-2 draw against the U23s. Playing a starring role in that game was new wonderkid Rabiu Ibrahim, who has just signed for Sporting Lisbon.

To say Ibrahim was impressive is stating the obvious, so let me state the unobvious. I noticed the beginnings of something I hope can be nipped in the bud right here and now: Its the start of what I call 'The Brat factor'.

A player, especially one that young who knows he is good, tends to do different things to impress, on and off the pitch. But it's left to the coaches to stop it before it goes too far.

Simplicity, in writing and playing football is always a winner. Showboating sgould come at intervals. That is what makes it so alluring. The unpredictability.
I noticed that Rabiu was doing no-look passes almost all the time. He tried to dwell on tha ball every opportunity, and he walked with an arrogant bounce to his step.

Now that is an attitude that cannot be encouraged. Unfortunately, the coaches either did not notice it, or appeared to have got used to it.

My advice is that while a young player can be allowed a certain degree of 'feeling', he should be brought back down to earth and reminded that he has not won anything yet, has not proven anything at international level and still has a ways to go before he can be listed as a genuine star.

Otherwise, we stand the risk of having another brat on our hands.

I have nothing against Rabiu, but I believe that he is a young kid who needs to be guided so he doesnt go the wrong route. Properly managed, this kid can be a huge thing in Nigerian football. I dont want to see him going down the wrong route.
Having said that, I must admit that the kid can ball. His short game is good, his long game even better.

He is an archetypical playmaker with the strength to hold his own in an area of the park where folks take no prisoners.

Abuja files. . .

Have been in Abuja since Sunday night. Was actually booked on a 2pm flight from Lagos, but got back slightly late from Church and didnt make it.
Nothing spoil, though. Re-booked on the 6pm, which gave me a chance to watch United claim the Community Shield over Chelski. Sweet. . .
Anyway, Monday has been tough but rewarding.
Was at the NFA office this morning and had long fruitful chat with Media Officer Ademola Olajire and Secretary General Bolaji Ojo-Oba.
Left to attend the opening of the NFL's Pre-season Seminar.
The highlight was a disappointing presentation on 'Corporate Governance' by Dr Amos Adamu. It was such a shockingly horrible presentation I was embarrassed.
This was Presentation 100: How not to.
Anyway, rounded up the day by watching the U23s and U17s play out a 2-2 draw and then interviewing Super Eagles coach Berti Vogts.
But I was happier with myself for able to get him to agree to a general press conference 2moro.
He didnt feel inclined to do it, preferring to speak to me. But I explained to him that others also needed access and he would be well-served doing it in one fell swoop.
He agreed. So 1pm Tuesday, it is then.

Back and Bloggin again

Havent been here in a bit. Have been travelling around a mite and then got so caught up in work that its been an absolute nightmare.
But there's definitely going to be stuff happening here on regular basis from now on. Promise.
To start with, let me leave a link that should make interesting reading for y'all.
http://www.supersoccer.co.za/default.asp?id=5480&des=sportstalk
Hope you enjoy it.
Dont forget to leave them comments behind here.