Former Ondo State lawmaker Gbenga Omole has called for increased investment in grassroots football development, saying Nigeria must strengthen youth football programmes to produce the next generation of professional players.
Omole made the appeal during the grand finale of the eighth edition of the Akogun U-20 Annual Football Competition held in Oka Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
He said identifying and nurturing young footballers at an early stage would provide a larger talent pool for professional clubs and the national teams while preventing gifted players from missing opportunities to develop.
According to him, the annual tournament, which began in 2018, was established to empower young people through sports and has already produced players who now compete professionally in Nigeria and abroad.
Omole disclosed that one former participant is currently playing in Europe, while others have featured for Sunshine Stars, Nigeria Premier Football League clubs and teams in Ghana and South Africa.
He also revealed that about 10 talented players were identified during this year’s competition, with four or five expected to continue their development at an academy in Abuja through a partnership with Inspiration Academy.
He urged governments and corporate organisations to invest more in grassroots football, noting that Nigerian legends such as Finidi George, Joseph Yobo and Sunday Oliseh all emerged from similar youth football structures.
Representing The Governor Of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Special Adviser on Special Duties and Strategy Gani Mohammed praised the organisers for creating a platform that continues to showcase young talents.
He said the state government is constructing a world-class stadium in Akure while planning additional sporting facilities to support football and other sports across Ondo State.
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Aloy Agu also commended the standard of the competition, highlighting technical ability, positioning, anticipation and decision-making as key qualities scouts look for in young players.
Ore-Ofe FC won the tournament and received ₦500,000, while Owase FC and Dogo FC claimed second and third places with cash prizes of ₦300,000 and ₦200,000 respectively.
