Nigeria’s grassroots players need opportunities to shine — Bright Osayi-Samuel

Super Eagles and Fenerbahçe defender, Bright Osayi-Samuel, has advocated increased investment in grassroots football development.

Osayi made the call on Tuesday morning as he returned to Benin to witness the final of the U-13 football tournament he sponsored.

Speaking at the Benin Airport, the Nigerian International stressed that while Nigeria was full of raw football talent, a lack of opportunities and exposure continued to keep many future stars in the shadows.

“I think it’s the opportunity. There are a lot of footballers that are very good, but they’re not seen.

“Everyone has a story. We just need to listen and invest.

“My tournament is a platform to let these young boys show what they are good at,” he said.

Osayi, who was accompanied by his girlfriend, Tae Jackson, emphasised that initiatives like this must be scaled up, and more stakeholders must come on board.

“I’m here because I have a tournament for U-13. It’s the final today and I want to come and watch. I couldn’t make it last year, so this year I had to make sure I was here.

“This is my home. I’ll do anything to give my own support. I love football, and I want to see the new stories from Benin,” he said.

The Fernabache star believed grassroots football must become a strategic priority if Nigeria was to remain competitive on the global stage.

On the future of discovered talents at the tournament, Osayi hinted at his own football agency helping transition one or two of them to international platforms.

“Hopefully, I can find one or two ballers and bring them to Europe. That’s the goal – to give them a chance,” he said.

He described his homecoming as a privilege, particularly with his girlfriend for the first time, who he said would enjoy her stay.

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