Super Eagles and Fenerbahçe defender Bright Osayi-Samuel has called for increased investment in grassroots football development in Nigeria.
Osayi-Samuel made the call on Tuesday in Benin on arrival to witness the final of the U-13 football tournament sponsored by him.
He said that while Nigeria has abundant football talent, a lack of opportunities and exposure continued to keep many future stars in the shadows.
“I think it’s an opportunity. There are a lot of very good footballers, but they’re not seen.
“Everyone has a story. We just need to listen and invest. My tournament is a platform to let these young boys showcase what they are good at,” he said.
Osayi-Samuel, who emphasised that initiatives like this must be scaled up, called on more stakeholders to invest in grassroots football.
“I’m here because I have a tournament for U-13. It’s the final today and I want to come and watch. I couldn’t make it in 2024, so this year I have to make sure I am here.
“This is my home. I’ll do anything to give my support. I love football, and I want to see the new stories from Benin,” he said.
The Fernabache star believes grassroots football must become a strategic priority if Nigeria is to remain competitive on the global stage.
On the future of discovered talents at the tournament, Osayi-Samuel said that his football agency was helping one or two of them to international platforms.
“Hopefully, I can find one or two talents and bring them to Europe. That’s the goal – to give them a chance,” he said. (NAN)
