The National Institute for Sports (NIS), Lagos, on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, organized an interactive workshop for students and coaches aimed at promoting excellence in school soccer through scientific and objective methods of selecting athletes and coaches. The workshop, facilitated by Prof. C.O. Fasan, focused on the theme, “Predicting Success in School Sports (Soccer) Through the Objective Selection of Athletes and Coaches.”
The workshop adopted a collaborative, group-based approach that encouraged active participation through presentations and panel discussions. Participants explored the importance of using clearly identifiable and measurable criteria in the selection of players and coaches, emphasizing merit, competence, and performance as key determinants of success in school sports. Practical case studies were also examined to enhance participants’ understanding of effective and unbiased selection processes.
The programme brought together Professional Management and Coaching Certificate students, Advanced Certificate students, and coaches, who were divided into six groups to foster diverse perspectives and meaningful engagement. Each group nominated two representatives to present their findings, analyses, and recommendations. The presentations were conducted in two stages, with the first focusing on the identification and ranking of objective selection criteria, while the second addressed the application of those criteria to practical case studies.
The workshop concluded with a panel discussion, during which participants exchanged ideas and shared insights on best practices for athlete and coach selection. The session reinforced the National Institute for Sports’ commitment to equipping future sports administrators and coaches with the knowledge and practical skills needed to improve talent identification, coaching standards, and the overall development of school sports in Nigeria.
INFORMATION UNITS
NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR SPORTS,
LAGOS