…speaks on grassroots football devt, NLO campaign
The Director of Football, House of Prayer Football Academy, Taiwo Olowe has stressed that no one can cut corner to success saying the only way to success is hard work and not magic.
He noted that the success they have enjoyed in House of Prayer Football Club is as a result of discipline, consistency, and teamwork.
“The success is not magic, it is a result of hard work, discipline, consistency, and teamwork. We have built a system that focuses on talent development, proper mentoring, and professionalism” he said.
The football administrator, said his passion for football began in childhood and grew into a commitment to youth empowerment.
He described himself as someone who believes strongly in discipline, hard work, and grassroots football development.
“Over the years, I have dedicated myself to discovering and nurturing young talents through football,” he said. “Aside from football, I value family, integrity, and community service, and I always strive to impact lives positively through sports.”
Talking about House of Prayer’s achievement, he said the club won the Kwara State League in 2022 and has since expanded its reach.
“The club currently competes in the Nigeria Youth League Cup and Nationwide League One, while also developing future stars through the Kwara Kiddies League.
The academy recently qualified to represent Kwara at the NLO playoffs in Abuja. Although they missed promotion on goal difference, Olowe said the outing was a proud moment for the state.
“It is a great achievement for the club and Kwara State, we are proud to represent the state, and we are determined to go back again to get the result.”
“The team is now preparing for the next NLO campaign in Ilorin and the squad is fully prepared mentally, physically, and tactically, with players and coaching staff focused on competing strongly and achieving success.
Olowe identified inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, transportation difficulties, player welfare, and limited sponsorship as the main challenges facing lower division clubs.
He called for increased government and private sector investment to strengthen grassroots football.
He commended the organizers of the NLO for creating opportunities for young players, noting that while there is room for improvement, their efforts have given many talents a platform to showcase themselves.
He said his dream is to see House of Prayer FA competing at the highest level of Nigerian football and becoming one of the country’s top talent-development clubs.
“Our dream is to see the club competing at the highest level of Nigerian football and becoming one of the best talent-development clubs in the country,” he said. “We also want to continue producing players who will excel both locally and internationally.”
He credited the club’s proprietors, Pastor Dr. Joseph and Janet Omorinoye, for their financial support and belief in the vision, and thanked fans in Ilorin and across Nigeria for their encouragement.
Olowe also praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s efforts in sports development, noting improvements in youth participation and support for football programs in Kwara State.