Foreign Experts Scout for Young Football Talent At Salvy Showcase Series

Oluchi Chibuzor

Top European coaches and South America technical football expertise has scouted for young talented footballers at the Salvy football talent showcase series.

Speaking at the event in Onikan Stadium, Lagos and Agbor Township Stadium, Delta state, the Convener, Salvation Alibor said the number of talents Nigeria has in the field of sports, especially football motivated them to provide them a platform for the world to see them.

He said that Nigeria was full of great football talent waiting for the right opportunity to become world-class footballers.

He noted that a Nigerian player is a great investment for any football club, adding Salvy Talent discovery aims to make outstanding Nigerians and football talent more available on the international football stage.

Alibor said that the aim of the scouting programme was to showcase the talent that “we have and use the platform for anyone who does not have sponsors, godfather or financial backing to get opportunities to display their football talents.”

According to him, Players who are selected for the tournament would participate in football clubs outside the country, noting those who were not picked still have another opportunity to showcase their skills and equally improve themselves.

He said, ”Apart from the encouragement,we are going to have a session with all the players so that they can work on their psyche. They need to stay positive and hopeful. You don’t give up, you must be determined.

“We can be more, as Nigeriàns what we lack is the means to succeed, despite having the talent. What we are doing is championing a path to success, so that a child of an indigent person can have the opportunity to become successful in our society.

“There are a lot of indigent people here in Lagos and we created the platform for them. Additionally, I am equally using this medium to support my Ika people who naturally are endowed in football. I am giving them the opportunity to showcase their skills. As a sponsor of a local football club, we have witnessed firsthand the raw passion and skill that our young athletes possessed. Yet, far too often, these talents remain hidden, overshadowed by societal vices and stifled by the grip of poverty.

“Recognizing the immense potential that lies within our nation’s youth, we have taken a bold step forward. We have brought in scouts from Europe and South America, not just to scout for talent, but to provide our young athletes with a platform to showcase their abilities on a global stage. Our goal is simple yet profound: to give these young men the opportunity to fulfill their dreams, to rise above their circumstances, and to carve out a brighter future for themselves and for Nigeria.

“We call upon the government, the private sector, past and present footballers, and all well-meaning Nigerians to join hands with us in this noble endeavor. Together, we can build a brighter future for Nigerian football and for the countless young souls who dream of making their mark on the world stage. Football is more than just a game; it is a beacon of hope, a catalyst for change, and a source of unity and pride for our nation. By investing in our youth and empowering them to pursue their passion, we not only unlock their potential but also lay the foundation for a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria.”

Commenting , a Nigerian-European based licensed football coach and manager,Victor Uzoho, said there was a need for the country to develop its talent as a nation.

According to him, “We should emulate other nations and take a model that can help develop our grassroots formation. This hidden talent needs skills development. The government needs to work more and improve in the area of facilities. Incentives for young academic players should be provided.

He urged the footballers to strive for academic excellence even as they pursue stardom through football.

“Quality education is what will keep you going on for years when football leaves you because football is just for a time, and from experience, not everyone will make it in football but your education will stand you out and make way for you in the future,” Uzoho said.

On his part a foreign football investor, Juha Saarinen, said the talents discovered at the event were good and he hoped to work with them.

He also highlighted the need for the young footballers to play with more intensity, purpose and drive, stressing the need for the players to concentrate on their education.

Also, a Brazilian football manager, with Pinda Futbol Clube, Fabio Luciano Silvo said that football in his home country was the same in Nigeria.

“We have grassroots and professional football and we are here to discover good talent and prepare them for other big clubs to buy. Africa’s football scene is a treasure trove of raw talent waiting to be discovered. Young footballers dream of emulating the football legends by seeking platforms to showcase their skills.

“Scouting networks and football academies are now more than ever, investing in these dreams, providing platforms for young stars to shine.

“The bottom-line is to go to school, even if you want to pursue a career in soccer (football) and that is why I am always telling youngsters who want to play soccer that they must look at life after soccer as more important than the present time. And it’s basically education that can keep you going for years to come,” Fabio said.

The official brand sponsor Premium ESS, Dr Innocent Ekeleme said “we have a bunch of talents in this country and we are set to shape the next generation of talent.

“When these talents are not tapped, they become detrimental to our society. We took a step to ensure that this talent has a global exposure.Beyond the economic impact it’s going to have in the country, there would be social impacts on us as a nation globally. If you go to Italy and you say, “I am a Nigerian, what comes to mind is Osimhen?”

A Nigerian football club manager, Baraka said. “There’s still a severe lack of quality development facilities and clear pathways for young football talents in Nigeria, meaning we have just scraped the surface so far.

“With the intensifying war for sporting talent, there is a massive opportunity for those who can navigate the difficult operating terrain and identify talented athletes in the country.