Delta State is set to host an exciting Under 17 football program at the renowned Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, scheduled for August 30th-31st, 2024. Onos Oborewovori, a prominent member of the National Youth Games committee, revealed that the event will provide a significant platform for young footballers across Nigeria to display their talents in front of scouts and coaches.
Among the notable figures expected is international soccer scout Paul Omamomo Ojo, who will spearhead the event. The program is part of a broader initiative by Delta State to foster grassroots sports development and discover the next generation of football stars.
Participating teams will have the opportunity to compete for a ₦500,000 prize, with additional consolation prizes for the top performers. The competition has strict rules, allowing only players born between 2008 and 2010 to participate, and teams with overage players will face automatic disqualification.
The event is open to academies and clubs across Nigeria, with each team allowed a maximum of 16 players. To ensure seamless execution, teams must submit their logos and jersey designs beforehand to avoid clashes on match day. Paul Omamomo Ojo emphasised the event’s importance, stating, This is a golden opportunity for young players to showcase their skills and take their first step towards a professional football career.
With its central location, Asaba is expected to attract teams from different parts of Nigeria, making this a truly nationwide youth football celebration.
Editorial
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We applaud Delta State for taking the initiative to launch an Under 17 football program that not only showcases young talent but also provides a significant stepping stone for future football stars in Nigeria. As fans of Nigerian football, we understand the vital role grassroots sports development plays in cultivating a strong footballing culture. This program is a crucial step in nurturing the next generation of footballers, allowing them to shine on a platform that could set them on a path toward professional careers.
The involvement of international scouts such as Paul Omamomo Ojo signals the seriousness and high stakes of this competition. For many young footballers, this could be the golden opportunity they’ve been waiting for an opportunity to be discovered and mentored by professionals. Events like these ensure that Nigeria’s rich pool of football talent does not go unnoticed, even at the youth level.
It is also commendable that strict eligibility rules are in place, ensuring fair competition for players within the age bracket. The focus on preventing overage players from participating is crucial, as it maintains the integrity of the competition and gives the rightful players a chance to prove themselves.
Delta State’s commitment to grassroots sports, exemplified by this initiative, should serve as a model for other states. While this program will directly benefit those participating, it will also inspire other young athletes across the country. The excitement generated by the event can ignite the ambitions of future footballers, helping to build a stronger, more competitive football culture in Nigeria.
We look forward to seeing the impact of this program on the careers of the young participants. By providing them with a platform to showcase their talents, Delta State is investing in the future of Nigerian football, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to witness it.
Did You Know?
- The Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, where the event will be held, is named after one of Nigeria’s greatest football legends, Stephen Keshi, who led the national team to win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
- The ₦500,000 prize for the winning team in this Under17 program is one of the largest cash rewards for youth football competitions in Nigeria.
- Nigeria has a strong history of excelling in youth football, winning the FIFA U17 World Cup five times, the most by any country.
- Many current Nigerian football stars, including Kelechi Iheanacho and Victor Osimhen, were discovered through similar youth tournaments.
- Delta State is one of Nigeria’s leading regions in sports development, regularly hosting national and international sporting events.
