The 2022 NDDC U-17 Peace Cup football tournament holding in Asaba, Delta State, has provided a platform for scouts from different parts of the world to discover talented players.
The tournament, sponsored by Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, began at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, with dozens of football scouts from around the globe visiting the match venues on daily basis to identify players, whom they hope to groom for the various national teams or for clubs abroad.
Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Umana O. Umana, declared the tournament open on Monday, with commendation for the organisers, the Grassroots Sports Federation of Nigeria (GRASOF), for its initiative in putting the event together.
Umana, who was represented by Mr. Matthew Pukuma James, said the tournament would go a long way in uniting the Niger Delta region, which was in line with the cardinal policy of establishing the interventionist agency.
The minister called for collective support for the tournament to succeed, just as he urged participating teams to put up their best performance, as well as ensure fair play at all times to key into the mantra of the competition, which is to promote peace across the region.
“I will like to first and foremost, thank Delta State for allowing a conducive atmosphere to host this special event in a period of national insecurity and economic challenge. This good gesture is indeed, worthy of commendation.
“I would also like to commend the organisers, Grassroots Sports Federation, for this laudable initiative, which not only promotes peace in the Niger Delta Region, but also provides an opportunity for young and talented lads to showcase their talents to the world.
“I am particularly delighted to inform you that this initiative is in line with the mandate of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs in the promotion of Peace and Security as well as developing the human capital in the Niger Delta Region,” Umana stated.
Former Super Eagles players, including Peter Rufai, Sam Sodje, Baldwin Bazuaye and Christian Obodo, have lauded the NDDC and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs for sponsoring the U-17 Peace Football Tournament, which is in its second edition.
The players said that the tournament would motivate Niger Delta youths to make good use of their football talents.
Rufai commended the organisers, GRASOF, led by its President, John Ekpenyong, for creating a platform for Niger Delta youths, saying that as a player, who was discovered at a young age, his core passion is youth development.
He insisted there was need to look back and discover talents from the grassroots and ensure they are groomed to play at the bigger stage.
On his part, Obodo, now a football agent, expressed willingness to take some talented players discovered from the competition abroad.
Also, former Leeds and West Brom player, Sodje, said he is delighted that the tournament is holding in his state, just as he urged the players to ensure their dreams of playing professional football was achieved.
The tournament, which will end on Sunday, is featuring such teams as Delta United FC, New Evangel FC of Bayelsa, Diamond Stars of Cross River, Progress FC of Rivers, Excellent FC of Edo, Donastars FC of Abia, El-Godz FC of Abia and Ine Stars FC of Edo State.
