The crème of Nigeria’s football academies are currently battling it out in the presence of scouts from top European clubs at the 2018 Super Stars Tournament which is holding in the city of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The opening day on Monday at the training pitch of the Godswill Akpabio stadium saw 18 teams from across the country play knockout matches. Some highlight of matchday two on Tuesday saw hosts Super Star Academy, Uyo held to a 1-1 draw by New Generation Academy, Umuahia, Family Love Port Harcourt 1-0 Groomer Academy, Greater Tomorrow 3-1 Goddosky of Nnewi, Gee-Lec International Academy Jos 2-0 New Generation ‘B’, while the last match was a thrilling encounter between Boys of Bayelsa and Markan Academy which ended 3-2 in favour of the Yenagoa-based team.
Speaking to journalists after Matchday two, head of scouting for English Second Division side Nottingham Forest, Simon Hunt, who was one of the many scouts hoping to spot some budding talents at the tournament said he was impressed with quality of the teams and players he has seen.
He said: “It’s always fantastic to come over to Nigeria and watch the football, I’m really enjoying this tournament, there are some high quality teams and some really good individuals players as well so it’s been a pleasure to be here.
“I’ve always been interested in Nigerian football and I’ve been coming here for the last five years. There’s immense amount of talents and many of the boys they just need an opportunity and the right environment. I can see the coaching and organisation is improving but there’s still work to be done. I’m always looking to come back and find the next talent,” Hunt concluded.
The invitational tournament is being organized by the president of Super Stars Academy, Prince Victor Apugo, and has top scouts such as Nottingham Forest head of scouting Simon Hunt, Hollands Michael Robert, Van Til Elliot Keith all from the UK, Fernandes Barbosa Jose Carlos(Portugal), Morais Roberto Emilio (South Africa) and Graham
Daniel Heydorn (Canada) in attendance.
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