By Harry Awurumibe, Editor Abuja Bureau.

Determined to give talented young players the opportunity to fulfil their ambition of playing professional football, the 2023 Talent Hunt Nigeria, an annual recruitment competition organised by Roberts Canada Soccer Academy and Carl Academy and Football School, Umuahia, will hold from September 25 to October 5, 2023 at Area 3 football pitch, Abuja.

This is even as
Roberts Canada Soccer Academy in partnership with Cadiz CF, a Spanish Laliga club are coming to Nigeria to identify quality players from the ages of 16 to 23 (boys and girls) who will be taken to Spain for trials.

According to the founder of Carl Academy and Football School, Umuahia, Pastor Eneka Inyama, no fewer than 20 academy clubs have indicated interest with 19 already completed participation formalities for the 12 days tournament.

Said he: “we are looking forward to this edition of our annual Talent Hunt Nigeria 2023 in Abuja. In addition to Cadiz CF our partner Roberts Canada Soccer Academy is bringing, Sporting Directors of two other Laliga clubs are coming for the programme.

“Everything is in place for the competition and I believe this will be a big opportunity for the Nigerian clubs to bring their teams and who knows their players will make the cut of those who will go for trials in Spain later in the year”.

Inyama who is the immediate past Chairman of Abia Warriors FC of Umuahia revealed that Carl Academy and Football School team will arrive Abuja one week to the start of the competition, pointing out that academy clubs that have made a good decision and urged those yet to register to hurry up.

Among the clubs participating in the tournament are:
1. Sensational stars, Abuja
2. TSI Football Academy, Osogbo, Osun State
3. Rising Stars, Abuja
4. ECN Global Academy, Abuja
5 Carl Academy, Umuahia, Abia State
6. Doncaster Academy, Aba, Abia State
7. New Generation Academy, Umuahia Abia
8. Bohold FC, Umunneochi, Abia State
9. Empire Academy, Umuahia, Abia State
10. FC Liberty, Abuja
11. FC International, Abuja
12. Esprings Academy, Ondo, Ondo State
13. Jazzy stars of Jos
14. Star Peak FC, Akwanga, Nasarawa State
15. Right Value FC, Abuja
16. One Touch FC, Abuja
17. IB Sport Dreams, Abuja
18. Mamba PRO FC
19. Flight FC.

Chelsea Football Club forward, Noni Madueke’s father (Ifeanyi Madueke) stormed the seren city of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State at the weekend in search of top level and talented Nigerian players on the invitation of Superstars Academy president, Hon. Victor Apugo, who doubles as an NFF Youth Football Development Committee member.

Speaking after a successful hunt, The senior Madueke revealed his delight to be in the country and the quality of talents he has seen but insisted that talent must be marched with hard work.

“I’m happy to be in the country. I’ve been impressed with the quality of facility they have here in Uyo and I’ve also seen some talented players, but they need to put in more hardwork to achieve their dreams. I look forward to being here in November for the Superstars scouting tournament,” said Madueke.

While thanking Madueke for honoring his invitation, Apugo urged him to use his influence and contact to contribute to the discovery and development of talents from Nigeria.

The event held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State falls in line with Hon. Victor Apugo, vision to play a key role alongside other NFF Youth Football Development Committee members in bringing a positive and fruitful change in youth football development in Nigeria.

Former Nigeria Under-17 star, Nwachukwu e, added another feather to his fast growing football career as emerged Botev Cup 2023 best striker with a handful of goals to his name which landed thee trophy for FDC Vista.

The highly rated Nigerian youngster was phenomenal and enterprising with his general play and was influential, scoring goals and delivering assist when it matters most.

Christain Nwachukwu and his FDC Vista emerged champions of the 2023 Botev cup as they scaled through the group phase to stage a finals with Israeli based Clubside, Maccabi Tel’Aviv.

In the keenly contested fixture, the first half yielded no goals for the either side regardless their various attempts at goal.

On return for the second half, Former Nigeria Under-17 striker, Christian Nwachukwu opened scoring at the 49th minute and went ahead to complete his brace with his 52nd minute goal.

Determined FDC Vista side went ahead to kill off the game as they scored two more goals to bring the final scoreline to 4-0 at full time to emerge Champions of the prestigious Botev Cup 2023.