By Wakawaka Sports
Mbaise-born football tactician, Coach Chibueze Ononiwu, has declared his ambition to coach one of Nigeria’s junior national teams after leading Campos FC to a convincing 4-1 victory over Akoye FC in the final of the Imo State Club Owners Super League at Njaba Township Stadium, Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State.
Ononiwu, who said he had won every trophy in Imo State, explained that he was now looking forward to bigger challenges beyond the state’s football scene.
I have won every trophy in the state, and I am looking forward to bigger challenges, which include coaching any of the junior national teams,” the Campos FC gaffer said in an interview with Wakawaka Sports.
The coach attributed his success to his football philosophy and Campos FC’s commitment to grassroots development, noting that the club has a structured system for nurturing players from the under-10, under-13, under-15, under-17 and under-19 categories.
Campos FC is a team that has it all, from under-10, under-13, under-15, under-17 and under-19. We groom players and nurture them. They know our tradition, and that is why we are not afraid.
Any team or new tournament in our state or anywhere in Nigeria, we are ready and capable. Winning the trophy is a sign of how ready and active we are,” he said.
Ononiwu, who has also won the Imo State FA Cup at the senior level, described coaching as his calling and profession, adding that his passion for the game continues to drive his achievements.
As a coach, coaching is my calling and also my job. When I embraced the calling, I took it upon myself and believed that this was what I was meant to do. That is why it is working for me,” he added.
Reflecting on his playing career, the Campos FC manager explained that his experience as a footballer had helped shape his understanding of the game and his approach to managing players.
He admitted that he was somewhat stubborn during his playing days but said he had become more consultative as a coach.
During my time as a footballer, I was a little bit stubborn, but now I try to consult on everything. As a coach, I try to teach my players what football is all about, including confidence and the qualities required to excel.
Sometimes, I use myself as an example to show them that there is an advantage in being a footballer,” he said.
The Mbaise-born tactician expressed optimism about his future, saying he hoped to manage a top club in Nigeria before eventually taking charge of one of the country’s national teams.
Campos FC’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Akoye FC further highlighted Ononiwu’s coaching achievements and the club’s commitment to grassroots football development, as the tactician now sets his sights on a bigger stage.
