Encouraging the infusion of more grassroots football competitions into the sport, former Super Eagles player Victor Ikpeba called on stakeholders to nurture young talent for the country.
This call was made in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, during a press conference preceding the finals of the annual Akogun Football Competition set to take place in Oka Akoko, the headquarters of the Akoko South-West Local Government Area.
Ikpeba, a former African Footballer of the Year, emphasized that football development should not rely solely on government intervention.
Expressing his viewpoint, he stated, “Even though I have retired from playing, I remain closely involved in football. As a member of the Nigeria Football Federation Technical Committee, it is our duty to promote grassroots football. It is essential for all to contribute to the advancement of football in Nigeria.”
Commending the competition organizer and former member of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Gbenga Omole, Ikpeba, a member of the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and 1996 Atlanta Olympic-winning teams, urged individuals, communities, and state governments to follow Omole’s example. He called on the NFF to engage in grassroots talent identification for the game’s improvement.
Reflecting on his involvement, Ikpeba remarked, “When the honorable organizer approached me and I witnessed his six years of dedication, I was impressed. Contributing to the community and nurturing the young players is a rewarding way to give back. Football is beloved in Ondo State, and my presence here, along with that of my teammates, aims to support his laudable efforts in Akoko.”
The organizer, Omole, highlighted the competition’s success in unearthing talent, with five individuals already plying their trade in foreign leagues.
He emphasized, “The attendance of these players and other scouts has been fruitful, leading to talented individuals securing spots in clubs beyond our state borders. Football is a lucrative global industry, generating over $4 billion in revenue by 2023, with projections to reach $5.65 billion by 2031. We aspire to be part of this growth.”
Omole added, “With proper nurturing, the talents discovered in this competition can evolve into stars, significantly impacting their families and communities.”