Two Nigerians join Copa Coca-Cola international camp

Two Nigerian youths, Chidiebere Chibuzo Ibe and Peter Osaze Imafidon, are among children from across the world at the largest brand-supported grassroots football initiative, Copa Coca-Cola, which began in Berlin, Germany on July 26 and will end tomorrow.

The event, a six-day programme featuring 100 footballing teens, is aimed at helping the children forge friendships and gain valuable skills both on and off the pitch.

Ibe, a product of the Kanu/Greenspring summer camp, is a gifted attacking midfielder, who has participated in several local and international youth competitions, including the popular Nottingham Youth Tournament.

Imafidon, who was discovered at the Shell/NNPC school competition, is a disciplined talent who has won laurels at national youth games and the recent summer vacation competition in the United Kingdom.

According to the organisers, the programme is the pinnacle of a season which has seen more than 1.3 million teens compete in over 60 countries, promoting an active lifestyle and encouraging values that are the foundation of life and sportsmanship.

The six-day trip to Berlin involves training sessions, workshops, games, events and coaching as well as guidance from members of Germany’s 2014 FIFA World Cup winning football team.

The organisers said, “the International Camp gives young players from across the world the opportunity to pursue their football dreams, make new friends from different countries and together recognize the importance of playing different roles within a team. Highlights of the Copa Coca-Cola event will include an Opening Ceremony, training sessions with Hans Flick, Assistant Coach of the 2014 FIFA World Cup winning German national team, and daily challenges in the grounds of the prestigious Lindow Sports Academy.”

According to the Marketing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Patricia Jemibewon, “With an action-packed schedule, the teens attending, including two from Nigeria will have the opportunity to gain skills, enjoy new experiences with new friends from across the world and even meet FIFA World Cup champions in an inspiring atmosphere.”