Edward Green is the assistant coach of the newly promoted Nigeria Premier Football League side, Sporting Lagos. He joined the Tech Boys from Akwa United before the beginning of the current campaign. With the head coach of Sporting Lagos, Paul Offor, currently out of the country, Green was opportune to be in the dugout against his former club last weekend and returned to Lagos with a deserved point following a 0-0 draw in Uyo.
In this exclusive interview with The Athletic NG, Coach Green discusses his relationship with his head coach, other coaches, and the players and shares his long-term goal as coach.
Excerpt:
Questions: What’s your relationship with Coach Paul, other coaches, and the players?
Edward Green: “I have a great relationship with Coach Paul and all the other coaches in our crew. This camaraderie is essential in fostering a positive and productive environment for the players. We share a mutual respect for each other’s expertise and work closely to ensure that our team is well-prepared and operates as a cohesive unit. Our relationships extend beyond the professional realm, creating a sense of unity and trust among us that benefits the entire squad. These strong connections are a cornerstone of our coaching and management philosophy.”
Questions: What does it mean to take charge of your first game in the NPFL with a club like Sporting Lagos against your former club, Akwa United?
Edward Green: “For me, it was a moment of fulfillment and emotion intertwined. It symbolized the progression of my career and the coming full circle. “Charity begins at home,” they say, and this experience echoed that sentiment. It was a chance to apply all that I’ve learned and honed in my coaching journey. While there were emotional connections to Akwa United, my commitment and focus were firmly with Sporting Lagos, and this game marked the beginning of an exciting chapter in my coaching career.”
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Question: What kind of coach are you, and how do you want people to see you?
Edward Green: “I am a coach who is deeply committed to helping my players reach their full potential. My coaching philosophy revolves around nurturing talent, instilling discipline, and fostering a growth mindset in each player. I aim to unveil a side of them that they might not have recognized within themselves. I believe in creating an environment that promotes not just success on the field but also personal and professional development off it. As for how I want people to see me, I hope to be regarded as a coach who is dedicated, nurturing, and instrumental in the holistic growth of my players. I aspire to be recognized for my ability to inspire and bring out the best in those I mentor.”
Question: What is your personal aim as a coach?
Edward Green: “My personal aim as a coach extends to both the continental and global stages of football. I aspire to lead a team to the Nations Cup without any limitations to the continent. This is a significant ambition as it represents a high level of success and accomplishment in African football. Beyond that, I am determined to work tirelessly to gain the experience of managing a team in the World Cup, which is the pinnacle of international football. These goals drive me to continuously improve as a coach and contribute to the success and growth of the teams I work with.”
Question: On the fixture against Doma United
Edward Green: “Doma United is another opportunity for us to showcase our skills and make our fans proud. Our approach is simple – one game at a time. We aim to play well, entertain our fans, and, of course, secure the victory. We’re excited about the game, but there’s no undue pressure. Our focus is on executing our game plan, and the result will follow if we stick to our strategies and give our best effort on the field. We’re looking forward to a great match and aim to maintain our winning momentum in the league.”
