By DESMOND EJIBAS

A European football club, FK Dembava of Lithuania, has signed no fewer than 23 Nigerian footballers to compete in the Lithuania II Lyga.

Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere, the General Overseer of Omega Power Ministry (OPM), said in a statement in Port Harcourt on Saturday that OPM brokered the signing of the footballers.

He said that the players, including eight females and 15 males, signed their contracts at a short ceremony in Port Harcourt.

We invited club owners and decision makers from Europe to conduct trials for talented footballers in Nigeria, which lasted over two weeks.

The signing of the 23 talented footballers completes the first historic church sponsored international football scouting, marking a significant milestone in the careers of these young footballers.

They will play in the mens and womens leagues in that Schengen country.

Chinyere said that the contract signing ceremony was attended by the club officials and players lawyers and relatives.

This approach ensures that the scouted players secure direct contracts; thereby eliminating the uncertainty of trials in Europe.

Visa, flight tickets, and free accommodations have already been provided for the players.

The new signees will travel directly to the club to play football not for trials, he said.

The clergy added that the footballers had been provided with the opportunity to showcase their skills and bring pride to Nigerian football fans. (NAN)