In a move to bolster grassroots football and unearth promising talent, the Gbandi-Ojiodu Diaspora Football Outreach has hit another stride, with three standout players from Delta State being invited to Lagos for the next phase of their football journey.
The trio, hailing from Akwukwu Igbo, Onicha Olona, and Illah, were initially spotted during the U-20 Inter-Community Diaspora Street Football Tournament held in Akwukwu-Igbo, Delta State. Now, their talents have garnered attention from Lagos State FA, signaling a significant step forward in their football careers.
Hon. Kenneth Gbandi, the Global Director for Gbandi-Ojiodu Diaspora Football Outreach, emphasized the project’s dedication to discovering raw talent, fostering healthy competition, and promoting values such as teamwork and a healthy lifestyle. He expressed gratitude towards Lagos State FA for expressing interest in establishing a football relationship between Lagos and Europe through the Diaspora Football Outreach initiative.
Gbandi highlighted the multifaceted approach of the project, which not only focuses on identifying talent but also provides comprehensive support for players, parents, and coaches. This support includes career development seminars and individual coaching sessions aimed at nurturing both the on-field skills and off-field opportunities for aspiring footballers.
Moreover, Gbandi outlined the key components of the Gbandi-Ojiodu Diaspora football development concept, which includes organizing tournaments, conducting training sessions, scouting talents, developing indigenous coaches, and fostering partnerships between the diaspora and Nigeria. The UEFA License coache and Talent scouts led by Ambrose Henry Ojiodu and legendary Andrew Uwe in partnership with European strategic partners play integral roles in this endeavor.
Looking ahead, Gbandi extended an invitation to the media to join them in their upcoming Elite Football Boot Kamp scheduled for August in Germany. This initiative aims to catch young talents at their formative stages and provide them with the necessary tools and guidance to succeed in the competitive world of football.
As the journey continues for these young footballers from Delta State, their inclusion in the Lagos State FA camp serves as a testament to the power of grassroots initiatives in shaping the future of Nigerian football and express gratitude to Lagos State FA. He also thanked Victor Brown Ofili the coordinator and coach from Akwukwu Igbo, and his counterparts from Onicha Olona and Illah. With support from organizations like the Gbandi-Ojiodu Diaspora Football Outreach and Lagos State FA, the dreams of aspiring footballers are being nurtured, one step at a time.
Wole Olumide: Sports Reporter AH Diaspora Desk
