Kola Ige calls goalkeepers “coaches in the making”

Newly appointed Nigeria Flamingos goalkeeper coach, Kola Ige, believes that all goalkeepers possess coaching ability even without realizing it.

Ige was officially appointed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Friday to join the technical crew of the U- 17 women’s national team.

The former Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) shot-stopper shared his insights during an interview with Completesports.com, discussing the transition from being a player to a coach.

Ige on the goalkeeper’s natural leadership

Ige stated that there is very little difference between the two roles, aside from the formal awareness that comes with a coaching certificate.

“Naturally, these are two different roles carried out at different times.

But the truth is that even as a goalkeeper, one is already a coach without knowing it. For instance, while manning the post, you are the last man in the team.

You see every player, you see all that goes on on the pitch, and you control your teammates, telling them what to do at any given time, as well as organising their movements.

While doing these, you are already performing a coaching role without realising it. However, as a full-time coach, you decide the pattern of play to be adopted and the players to execute it.”

Ige is also currently serving as a goalkeeper trainer at Shooting Stars SC.