Lukman Ijaiya, the newly appointed assistant coach of Nigeria’s Flying Eagles, has expressed his gratitude to Kwara United Chairman, Kumbi Titiloye, for allowing him to showcase his coaching abilities. Ijaiya, who had a distinguished playing career with Kwara United and 3SC of Ibadan, transitioned into coaching after retiring from professional football.
Ijaiya’s coaching journey took off when Titiloye, as Chairman of Kwara United, offered him a position on the club’s coaching staff. Starting with the Kwara United Feeders Team, Ijaiya quickly impressed and was promoted to the senior team. He took charge of Kwara United’s final six matches of the 2021/22 season after the head coach Abdullahi Biffo had to travel to the United States due to health concerns, leading the team to secure a Continental ticket.
In reflecting on his coaching career, Ijaiya expressed his deep appreciation for Titiloye’s trust, saying, If not for Kumbi Titiloye who had trust in me, only God knows where I would be today because he is the starter of my coaching career.
Ijaiya, now an assistant coach at the Flying Eagles, has resumed his duties and is looking forward to helping head coach Aliyu Zubairu succeed in their upcoming challenges. He also thanked Elkanemi Warriors coach, Aliyu Zubairu, for believing in him and providing support.
Editorial
Lukman Ijaiya’s story is one of resilience and opportunity. His gratitude towards Kwara United Chairman Kumbi Titiloye reflects the importance of leadership in football development, particularly at the grassroots level. Ijaiya’s rise from coaching the club’s feeder team to leading them during a crucial phase in their season is a testament to his hard work and the trust Titiloye placed in him.
This narrative reminds us of the vital role that trust and mentorship play in shaping a successful coaching career. By giving young and upcoming coaches opportunities to prove themselves, leaders like Titiloye contribute to the growth of Nigerian football. Ijaiya’s journey, from his playing days to his current role with the Flying Eagles, shows that when given the right support, talented individuals can thrive.
As Ijaiya continues his coaching career with the national team, it will be interesting to see how he applies the lessons learned from his time at Kwara United. The future looks bright for Nigerian football with figures like Ijaiya stepping into leadership roles.
Did You Know?
- Kwara United, one of the top clubs in Nigeria’s football league, has produced several talented players and coaches over the years.
- Lukman Ijaiya had a successful playing career before moving into coaching, representing clubs like Kwara United and 3SC of Ibadan.
- The Flying Eagles, Nigeria’s U20 national football team, have a rich history of success, including winning the U20 Africa Cup of Nations several times.
- Coaching transitions, such as Ijaiya’s move from Kwara United to the Flying Eagles, highlight the importance of mentorship in football.
- The 2021/22 season saw Kwara United qualify for Continental football, with Ijaiya playing a key role in the final stages.
