In line with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Youth Football Development policy launched last year, the NFF 1st Vice President, Seyi Akinwunmi has, on behalf of the NFF Board, congratulated Channels Television for the successful staging of the 8th Channels Kids Cup competition (an NFF Protected Tournament).
Akinwunmi, who is also Chairman of the NFF Youth Development Committee, at the same time praised the Football Associations of the different States and the six geopolitical zones in the country on the conclusion of the States and zonal rounds of the Zenith Bank/NFF Future Eagles U13 and U15 Championship.
Speaking on Tuesday, Akinwunmi equally appaluded the joint NNPC/Shell Cup venture,, midwifed by the School Sports Federation of Nigeria, while acknowledging the tremendous support of these institutions to the growth of youth football in Nigeria.
“We are delighted with Channels TV for their efforts and we are serious with our pledge of taking the best players from that competition on international playing tour. These players will also be invited to the screening of the U13 and U15 National Teams later this year.
“NNPC/Shell Cup finals is a principal competition in the annals of youth football in this country. We want to encourage these institutions to continue with the program and also want them to support the robust youth football development plan of the NFF.”
Akinwunmi disclosed that the inter-zonal stage of the Zenith Bank/NFF Future Eagles Championship will take place in the first week of July, with the finals later that month to be witnessed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
In line with the NFF youth development policy, and following discussions with the Chairman of NFF Technical Committee, Barr. Chris Green, it has been agreed that the following players who excelled during the NNPC/Shell Cup be invited for the ongoing screening of the U17 National Team in Abuja:
Kelvin Amadi, Obinna Onyia, Tari Joseph (Excel Education Centre, PH); Onyeka Andrew, Ejeh Joseph, Abraham Solomon (FOSLA Academy, Abuja); Ismail Ahmad (Govt. Science Secondary School, Darazo, Bauchi), Fatinikun Leke (Asegun Comprehensive High School, Ibadan).
The NFF 1st Vice President also disclosed the intention of the NFF to have, before the end of this year, camping facilities for not only national youth teams but also for players involved in “our youth development initiatives particularly our Elite Players Project.
“With this developments, it is clear the NFF has now created the platform for a sustainable and properly documented youth football development in Nigeria, in respect of which we will reap bountiful benefits for years to come.”
