By Silvernews
The Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Professional Footballers (NANPF), Enugu State Chapter, Coach Ebere Amaraizu, has called on football club owners and sports administrators to shift focus beyond just technical and tactical training and begin to prioritize the holistic welfare of athletes.
Coach Amaraizu, a certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) practitioner and the Lead Consultant at Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation, made this call while addressing the growing concern over players’ mental, emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being.
According to him, the welfare of players should be treated as a fundamental pillar for sports development and athlete productivity. “It is no longer acceptable to rely solely on tactical and technical preparations while ignoring the psychological and emotional needs of our players,” he stated.
Amaraizu emphasized that many athletes have unresolved personal struggles which, if unattended, can negatively impact their performance regardless of their technical abilities. “Studies have shown that every human being has a struggling history. This struggle affects athletes emotionally, psychologically, and socially — and can significantly hinder productivity on and off the field,” he noted.
He condemned the name-calling and undue pressure players often face from coaches, club management, and even fans, adding that such behavior, combined with inconsistent salary payments and poor welfare conditions, contributes to the mental health challenges faced by many professionals in the sport.
“Too many players are left to their fate after sustaining injuries, often becoming burdens to themselves and their families. This must change,” he stressed.
To address these issues, Amaraizu advocated for the creation of comprehensive welfare frameworks within clubs. This includes prompt payment of salaries and allowances, establishment of trauma and counseling units, and dietary and psychological support programs to complement medical departments.
“Holistic well-being is not a luxury; it is a necessity,” he said. “We must create systems that support the emotional, psychological, and spiritual health of our athletes if we are serious about advancing Nigerian football.”
He concluded by urging clubs to collaborate with NANPF in promoting athlete welfare, stressing that supporting players through their career and beyond is essential for sustainable sports development.
“Injury to one is injury to all. Let’s give our athletes the care and support they truly deserve,” he added.
