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… As 5 Players Set for European Clubs
By Amos Odhe, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State is gearing up to host the 6th edition of the prestigious Douye Diri International Scouting Tournament, a platform that showcases Nigeria’s brightest young football talents.
This year’s event is scheduled to take place from December 4 to 8, 2024, at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa.
The tournament is organized by the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, also known as the Prosperity Cup.
According to the director general of the tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe, the event promises to be an exciting opportunity for young players to gain international exposure and secure lucrative deals with top European clubs.
The invitation-only tournament, he said, is a direct result of the outstanding success of the Prosperity Cup, which has attracted global attention for its exceptional talent showcase. This year’s event will feature top European scouts, coaches, and club representatives seeking to discover Nigeria’s next football sensations.
Some of the esteemed scouts and coaches attending the event include Ertugun Yusuf Emre Adanyspor, sporting director of Turkey, Fred French, Vice President FC Quomi of Malta, and Fatih Ates, Coach of Bulusopor of Turkey.
Other scouts include: Naujot Singh Brar, X-One Agency of Norway, Turan Aykut, Adabademin FC of Turkey, Hillary Azado of OTP Sporting Director Finland, Peter Neketein UEFA Coach B, Kelvin Etemike, Chief Scout OTP of Finland and CEO Tristone Sport Management and Hakan Uyammis, Top Agent Turkey.
As a testament to the tournament’s success, five talented players from the previous edition have been selected to undergo trials in Lithuania, Malta, and Turkey. These players have already undergone intensive medical examinations to ensure they meet the required standards for the January transfer window in Europe, the DG said.
The Scouting/Coaching clinic programme will take place from December 4 to 8, 2024, with coaches advised to feature players between the ages of 18 and 21. A pre-season coaching clinic will also be held in preparation for the Prosperity Cup Season 7, scheduled for February next year.
Akpe said the organizers of the tournament would like to extend their gratitude to the state governor, Senator Douye Diri, his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and the commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Igali, “for their unwavering support and vision for sports development in the state.
“We are committed to harnessing the vast football talents in Bayelsa State and providing a platform for them to shine on the global stage,” he said.
