Current Position and Title: Dean of Studies and Master II, Shalom Academy, Nsukka, Nigeria

The Nigerian soccer coaches pose for a group photo on Jelleff Field after a unique soccer clinic

I woke up today at about 5:00am with the expectation of having yet another monumental experience-a trait that has characterized this sports exhange program. I achieved that through our soccer clinic today. Today's clinic focused on conflict resolution and sport, and was very unique in that it taught me to think of other ways to resolve my issues. It taught me that when I get angry I need to channel that and not let it distract me from my objectives. In order to to be successful in athletics I must attain the spirit of unity. Getting angry at your players because they made a mistake will not fix the problem. Today's clinic has shown me ways to work through the anger.

Through the power of unity, the spirit that fosters equality, justice, respect, freedom and hospitality can facilitate youth development in Nigeria. I have learned through this program that qualities such as respect, selflessness, commitment, collective responsibility and quality leadership skills are achieved when principles of positive coaching are adopted, practiced and perpetuated by the coach.

Current Position and Title: Director of Sports, Atlantic Hall Educational Trust Council

The Nigerian soccer coaches feel the slow burn of Yoga during their first lesson

Today was a day filled with mostly mental activity. The sessions held today made us think. I was taught to empower the high school student-athletes to think on their own. I am now passionate about making my team more confident in themselves and their teammates. This will make their game better.

Today we all took our first yoga lesson. Wow! I stretched in places that I have never stretched. It was a slow burn. Our instructor took us through the total program so we can prepare the athlete in mind and body for the competition. We were told yoga is good for relaxation and strengthening, but what I really learned was that yoga heats the body throughout!

After our thinking sessions I bowled for the first time today! I have seen it on television, but to experience it is a different situation. It is much more difficult than it looks on TV. The professionals make it look as if all you have to do is roll the ball. This too takes mental and physical strength, and I loved it.

Current Position and Title: Lecturing Athletic Skills, National Institute for Sports, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos

The Nigerian soccer coaches work hard to master new techniques

I appreciate the level of commitment shown by all the people I have come in contact with during my program in the U.S. Commitment and selflessness is what I have learned. This weekend I was fortunate enough to participate in the U.S. Soccer Federation's training, after which we received a Coaches D-License. The instructor was 75 years old! And there was no slowing down this young at heart, very knowledgeable father to many soccer coaches. What impressed me most was that soccer is part of everything he does in life. And that is what I am going to practice and continue when I return to my country.

I have learned so many valuable lessons on being committed to my family, team, and my group here with me in the U.S. I plan to use this as a guiding principle with the youngsters under my tutelage as a coach. When they see these qualities in me it will become part of them. I believe in teaching by example. From our small group we can pass on the message and have a new generation of individuals that will move away from the 'African Time' syndrome. Athletes are expected to be disciplined individuals, and when they get older they should be known for the quality of their commitments. I saw this many times throughout this program.

PE Teacher/Games Master: Jephthah Compp. Secondary School

Jonathan receives his USSF D Coaching License Certificate from instructor Len Oliver

Everything has been so great here in America. I woke up late today, after a fulfilling day the day before, but it ended up being such a sweet day today. I will cherish and remember everything I learned during the U.S. Soccer Federation Course. Our host and sponsor for the program shared a communal spirit of the American people. Everyone has shown such selflessness, respect, sense of responsibility, friendship and generosity to one another. These lessons I learned today have been life changing. When I return to Nigeria I will give back to my community and try to replicate in small groups and towns the spirit of all for one and one for all. This has been an amazing experience of making new friends and looking forward to continuing these newly formed bonds. Everywhere I went today from the Soccer clinic to the DC United game the message was everywhere. It is amazing to see how peaceful and friendly people are in their communities. It is a special message I will take home to plant. I will plant the American Spirit.

Coach and Performing Athlete: Jigawa State Sport Council

Joy discusses a call with the girls' youth soccer coach during a match

I am so glad to be in the USA attending this sports program. I love the spirit of America. We are visiting a lot of places I have heard about and seen so many times on CNN. It is a dream come true.

I have learned so many things about soccer. I am a coach and certified Futbal official. I have learned to be a better coach and official through the U.S. Soccer Federation D-Course. I have learned to look at things a different way. More accurate. More technical. It has given me some insight into the players and, as a result, I feel more confident.

I am so appreciative of the spirit of love and friendship that we have so gladly received from all our new American friends. One observation that has blown me away is how much Americans volunteer. This is not the culture of Nigeria. During the US. Soccer D-Course people came out and volunteered to help with the class. In Nigeria we have to pay people for everything. Here people just come out for the love of the game or because you want encourage your child. I hope to go home and organize very seriously the act of volunteerism. These values gained here coupled with knowledge will make me a better me!

Soccer Coach: Dority International Secondary School, Aba

Favorite Team: Manchester United

The Nigerian soccer coaches play a match with athletes at the Soccerplex

I have come to America and discovered a whole new world! I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t know how the people would react. We see and hear so many things in Nigeria about the United States. Things are so much better that it is beyond my wildest dreams. For instance, today we visited George Washington University Marymount Campus. When we arrived we were greeted by the women’s soccer head coach Tanya Vogel. It was very early and she was already working with her girls. That is not how it works in Nigeria. I was surprised as to how many girls were on the field and enjoying practice so early in the morning. They were having a good time. It was clear they wanted to be there. If it was me back home I would have been yelling at my students to get on the field. I think it’s the active participation with the coaches that excites the team and makes them want to work harder. I noticed the same type of coaching style during Futsal this evening. The Futsal coach, Mike Scarff was out there with the girls teaching, not yelling at them from the side lines. Another thing I noticed during both sessions was the players cleared the field. They moved the goal. I was very impressed with this different style of coaching.

I have discovered freedom in America. The people in the hotel where we are staying are so friendly and nice. They never yell at us or question us as to where we are going. There is a sense of peace in America.

But my favorite American discovery has been a little girl I met named Rhonda. She is the daughter of the State Department Representative that has organized our program. Rhonda is an amazing little girl that always has joy in her heart and a smile at the end of a long day. She is my new best friend and we will keep in touch when I return home.

Background: Marcelo Balboa (born August 8, 1967 in Chicago, Illinois) is an American former soccer defender who played in the 1990s for the U.S. national team, becoming its captain. After retiring from playing, he has worked as a soccer announcer for ESPN and ABC and MLS games on HDNet. In 2005, Balboa was named to the MLS All-Time Best XI and elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame on the first ballot along with Nick Folan.

Marcelo Balboa works with one of the Nigerian soccer coaches on his dribbling skills

What a great day! I had such a good time seeing my friends from Nigeria again! I was very fortunate to be able to go to Nigeria twice for the U.S. Department of State as an Envoy to provide soccer clinics. It was an even more amazing opportunity for me to see and work with the same coaches I trained in Nigeria here in the U.S. They are such a fun group. What impressed me the most is how much they want to learn. We trained today in very humid temperatures and not one of them complained! During our afternoon soccer clinic, the men worked mostly on one vs. one defending. My friend Kristi Beckmen assisted the ladies working on team building, technical passing, and dribbling. Dinner at Buca di Beppos was fantastic, as was lunch. Be safe and have fun while you are visiting the United States.