By ADERONKE OJO

Francis Okooboh, Head Consultant of Abzchain Resources Football Club of Abuja, has reaffirmed commitment to developing grassroots football talents in Nigeria, leveraging new partnerships with top European football Clubs.

Okooboh stated this at a news conference in Abuja on Monday, when scouts from Tottenham Hotspur FC and Cambridge United FC visited.

He described the occasion as “a rare opportunity” for young Nigerian footballers to be assessed directly by professional club scouts from Europe.

“We are thrilled to be here today, thanks to our strong network and connections with top club scouts from Tottenham FC, a Premier League team, and Cambridge United Football Club, a League Two side in England.

“Our goal is to leverage this opportunity and take our football endeavours to the next level,” he said.

Okooboh said it’s a rare opportunity to access such high-level scouts in the country.

“Our goal is to leverage this opportunity and take our football endeavours to the next level,” he said.

Okooboh explained that Abzchain Resources FC focuses on developing players through comprehensive technical, tactical, and physical training, while also guiding parents on realistic career pathways for their children.

“The company has had success with players studying and playing professional football abroad,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of honesty and merit-based selection in Nigeria’s football system, lamenting that too often, opportunities are granted based on connections rather than talent.

“Nigeria has talented players, but the system needs improvement. We need to be honest about our strengths, weaknesses and provide opportunities based on talent, not connections.

“Professionals abroad evaluate players based on ability, not background or wealth. If we adopt that approach, Nigeria will experience significant progress,” he said,”he said.

Okooboh reiterated Abzchain’s vision of nurturing young Nigerian footballers to compete globally while strengthening the local football ecosystem in collaboration with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

“We are proud to be registered with the NFF and to have had our players called up to the national U-15 team.

“Together, we can build a more honest, merit-based, and successful football future for Nigeria,” he said.

Also speaking, Ryan Hervel, ex-professional footballer and coach with Tottenham Hotspur FC, expressed excitement about discovering Nigerian talents.

“We are drawn to Nigeria’s natural creativity and flair, exemplified by players like Jay-Jay Okocha.

“We believe Nigerian players deserve the same opportunities as those in Europe, and we are here to provide that platform,” he said.

Similarly, Emmanuel N’daw, a former professional player and current coach and scout at Cambridge United FC, shared his enthusiasm for partnering with Abzchain Resources.

“I met Okooboh through Marvin, and I’m excited to see the talent here in Nigeria.

“We are open to players aged 12 to 19, focusing on potential rather than age. Our goal is to identify top talent and provide them with opportunities to succeed,” he said.

Other officials present at the event included Ene Egbe, Head of Administration and Isa Muhammed, Assistant Coach and Fitness Trainer.

The conference also marked the kickoff of a football scouting tournament featuring 14 teams, including: Abzchain Resource FA, Blinks FA, Defence Strikers FC, Ramsaky FC, Camplex FC, Zealified FA, E and R Fashion FA.

Others are Dream Stars FC, Otisco FC, Access FA, Faith Family Academy Junior, Faith Family Academy Senior, Sarkin Daji FA, and Rose FA.

The opening match saw Abzchain Resource FA face Blinks FA as the tournament commenced immediately after the press event.

NAN reports that the five-day scouting programme kicked off today (Monday) in Abuja, and will end on Friday. (NAN)