By Chukwuemeka Opara
A Serbian Scout, Tihomir Sloboda, says Nigeria has abundant football talents which, if properly harnessed, would propel the nation to global football greatness.
Sloboda, the Sports Director of Šiauliai Joniškis Football Club of Lithuania, stated this on Thursday in Abakaliki during a talent hunt organised by the Salt Jewel FC, in Abakaliki, Ebonyi.
He expressed satisfaction with the quality of talent on display at the hunt, noting that the players have the potential of ‘hitting it big” abroad.
“The talents which abound in Nigeria can be affirmed with the exploits of Augustine Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Osimhen Ademola Lookman, among others.
“The talents might lack technical finesse and tactical understanding but the passion to succeed is undeniably evident.
“Relevant football authorities in the country should inaugurate structures to groom and expose these talents to attain desired stardom, ” he said.
Sloboda said that his team was in the state to harness discovered talents and expose them internationally.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Salt Jewel Football Club, Dr Onyechi Nwankwo, said the three-day scouting programme will feature 20 teams from within and outside the state.
Nwankwo expressed gratitude to God for the realisation of the lifelong dream, aimed at transforming grassroots football from the streets into a structured club platform.
“We hope to produce global stars as the initiative is a milestone for Salt Jewel FC.
“The initiative is a life-changing opportunity and a gateway for Ebonyi youths to showcase their talents to scouts from Europe and Nigeria.
“We have players who are not only marketable but hungry to succeed,” he said.
He said that the most significant aspect of the exercise was the involvement of foreign scouts, which provides opportunities of upliftment for the players.
“We thank Gov. Francis Nwifuru for reinvigorating sports in the state, which has given budding talents the platforms for achieving their dreams.
“The development has also contributed greatly in reducing crime, curbing youth restiveness and promoting productive engagements in the state,” he said.
Mr Seun Rich, Director of 1968 Football, a Local Partner in the initiative, said the exercise aims at discovering players, particularly in the midfield.
“The players must be between the ages of 15 and 20.
“The ultimate goal is for these talents to join European clubs for accelerated development through professional training and international exposure,” he said.
The Chairman of the State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Andy Nwogha, promised to collaborate with the initiative through effective coverage.
“We commend the organisers of the exercise and urge other stakeholders to assist in promoting sports in the state,” he said.
Follow us on all social media platforms @dailyquery for news and analyses around the globe.
