Lagos is currently abuzz with football excitement as over 500 budding football talents lock horns in the inaugural Paul Onuora and St. Eve Football Competition.
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The tournament is being held across four centers in the city and has drawn aspiring players from 20 local councils in the state.
Dubbed the ‘Paul Onuora Football League,’ this competition aims to harness the potential of these young athletes.
The matches take place at the National Stadium training pitch, the Eagles Club field, and the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) field, all situated in the bustling neighborhood of Surulere.
Ahead of the tournament’s commencement, sponsor Paul Onuora conveyed his expectations. He emphasized that the competition serves as a platform to bring forth the best in these youths.
He also underscored that ethnicity or religion are non-factors when it comes to participation; the focus lies on nurturing young talent and fostering positive values.
Onuora expressed the aspiration to see players exhibit good behavior, character, and camaraderie. He sternly warned against engaging in negative activities like drugs, cultism, or robbery while pursuing a sports career.
These activities, he highlighted, are incompatible with success in football or any other field.
Beyond the immediate tournament, the organizers intend to create opportunities for participants to be noticed by scouts from Europe.
By bringing in managers and scouts, they hope to uncover hidden talents and open doors for young players on a larger stage.
Evelyn Okereke, the visionary behind the competition and founder of St. Eve, echoed the sentiment of channeling the energy of the youth constructively.
As a mother, she sought ways to bridge the divide between the affluent and less privileged while keeping youngsters engaged during extended breaks.
Okereke emphasized the universal impact of football and its ability to bring people together.
She envisioned the sport taking a central role in the lives of many, asserting that football’s influence is on the cusp of becoming a global phenomenon.
As Lagos witnesses this budding tournament, the fusion of football and community-driven development takes center stage, fostering hope, unity, and the promise of a brighter future for the talented young athletes.
