Victor Ikpeba, a former Super Eagles player and the 1997 African Footballer of the Year, emphasizes the need for more grassroots football competitions to unearth talents in Nigeria.
Speaking at a press conference in Akure before the finals of the annual Akogun Football Competition in Oka-Akoko, Akoko South-West area of Ondo state, Ikpeba stressed that football development should not rely solely on the government.
Hailing from a grassroots football background himself, the former 1994 African Cup of Nations champion highlighted that his involvement in the sport continues despite retiring from active playing.
Ikpeba commended the efforts of Akogun Gbenga Omole in organizing the competition, citing the event’s success in nurturing local talents as evident by the presence of his former teammates at the occasion.
”It’s a privilege to be in Akure, I am here to support Akogun Gbenga Omole for what he has been doing. I think this is the sixth edition, and I am also a product of grassroots football.
”Although I have stopped playing, I remain engaged in football activities. As a member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) technical committee, it is our responsibility to promote grassroots football.
”When I was approached by the honorable gentleman and witnessed the impact of his work over the past six years, I was impressed. There is no better way to give back to the community than by nurturing these young talents.
”I understand the passion for football in Ondo State, which is why I decided to come here and show my support, along with my former teammates,” Ikpeba expressed.
He extended his backing to the initiative, lauding the peaceful environment in Akoko.
“I commend him and express gratitude to the governor for the warm reception. Our arrival was smooth, and I want to thank the people of Ondo state for their hospitality,” the 1996 Olympics gold medalist conveyed.
The brain behind the competition, Gbenga Omole, stated that the event has not only discovered talents but has also fostered unity, love, peace, and progress among the youth.
He mentioned that renowned figures in Nigerian football such as Ben Iroha, Dosu Joseph, Mutiu Adepoju, and Peter Rufai have graced the competition in the past.
As a football enthusiast who transitioned from investing in the sport to politics, Omole views football as a platform to implement youth empowerment initiatives and promote unity.
”Through the presence of scouts and former players, we have successfully exported talented individuals to clubs beyond our borders, tapping into the lucrative global football industry,” Omole remarked.
With the football industry generating significant revenue, projected to escalate in the coming years, Omole aims to capitalize on this growth by nurturing and grooming talents from grassroots competitions into successful players, ultimately benefiting their families and communities.
NAN