Rivers Angels FC head coach, Tosan Blankson, who was recently named Best Coach of the NWFL Premiership Campaign for the First Round, has commended female coaches in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) for their impressive contributions to the game. In an exclusive interview with Futball Naija, Blankson acknowledged the growing influence of female coaches in the league, stating that they have risen to the challenge and are competing effectively with their male counterparts.
“The female coaches in the Nigerian Female Football League are doing a great job,” Blankson said. “They are giving their male counterparts a good fight. If the male coaches do not step up, the female coaches are ready to take charge. This has motivated us to improve and upgrade our coaching strategies.”
On Player Exodus and Coaching Challenges
Addressing the mass exodus of Nigerian female footballers seeking opportunities abroad, Blankson dismissed concerns that it negatively impacts the league. Instead, he believes it pushes coaches to constantly improve their squads.
“I can’t say that players leaving for foreign clubs is affecting the league. Instead, it has made coaches take their responsibilities more seriously by recruiting and developing new talents,” he stated.
However, Blankson highlighted a major challenge facing coaches in Nigeria: limited access to refresher courses. He emphasized the importance of continuous learning and credited digital platforms for helping coaches stay updated.
“One of the major challenges is the lack of opportunities for refresher courses in the country,” he noted. “But thanks to Google and Meta AI, there is almost nothing you need to learn or refresh yourself on that you can’t find online.”
Blankson also urged the NWFL organizers to step up their efforts in managing the league efficiently.
“I want the organizers of the NWFL to be more proactive in discharging their responsibilities,” he said, without specifying particular areas for improvement.
Sharing insights into his personal and professional background, Blankson described himself as “a son of the soil,” a devoted father of four, and a well-educated sportsman. Before becoming the head coach of Rivers Angels, he was a national table tennis champion and a seasoned footballer.
With his leadership, Rivers Angels FC continues to be a force in Nigerian women’s football, and his recent recognition as the Best Coach of the NWFL Premiership Campaign for the First Round is a testament to his impact on the league.
