Super Eagles and Fenerbahçe defender, Bright Osayi-Samuel, has described grassroots football as a strategic priority to Nigeria’s relevance on the global soccer stage.
Osayi-Samuel who stated this Tuesday morning while speaking to journalists at the Benin Airport, called for increased investment in grassroots football development.
The Nigerian International who is in Benin to witness the final of the U-13 football tournament he sponsored, noted that Nigeria is full of raw football talent, but lacks opportunities and exposure continued to keep many future stars in the shadows.
“I think it’s the opportunity. There are a lot of footballers that are very good, 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 show what they are good at,” he said.
He emphasised that initiatives like this must be scaled up, and more stakeholders must come on board.
“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 last year, so this year I had to make sure I was here.
“This is my home. I’ll do anything to give my own support. I love football, and I want to see the new stories from Benin,” he said.
On the future of discovered talents at the tournament, Osayi hinted at his own football agency helping transition one or two of them to international platforms.
“Hopefully, I can find one or two ballers and bring them to Europe. That’s the goal – to give them a chance,” he said.
He described his homecoming as a privilege, particularly with his girlfriend for the first time, who he said would enjoy her stay.
The dependable defender was accompanied by his girlfriend, Tae Jackson and his parents.
