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… as Ex-Internationals Lead International Scouts to Yenagoa
By our Reporter
The highly anticipated scouting program of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament will kick off on June 30, 2024, bringing together international scouts and coaches led by Mr. Peter Nieketien and coordinated by Kelvin Etemike.
Mr. Nieketien is the Chief Scout of the program, Kelvin Etemike is a representative of OPS / OTS of Finland and CEO of Tristone International Agency.
This year’s Governor’s football tournament event promises to be bigger and better with the presence of nine other international scouts “who are keen to unearth the best grassroots football talents in Bayelsa.”
This was made known at a public presentation of the Scouting and Coaching programme in Yenagoa on Tuesday.
The DG expressed his gratitude to Governor Douye Diri for his unwavering support for sports development in Bayelsa State and commended him for his unprecedented efforts in promoting sports in the country, particularly in the state.
According to Mr Ono Akpe, the support of the government has enabled the program to lay a strong foundation for international scouts who will be arriving in June and July to witness the exciting talent of grassroots football in the state.
One of the highlights of this year’s tournament is that it will feature a triple cadre competition- the male competition which is currently ongoing, the female edition will kick-off in a few weeks, and in addition, the para-soccer edition to cater for players with disabilities.
The DG hinted that this inclusive approach emphasizes the program’s commitment to providing opportunities for all aspiring football players no matter their gender. .
The Prosperity Cup will also introduce a new element to the tournament – the local government champions.
After rigorous selection process within each local government, selected players will be identified and brought to Yenagoa for a week or two for training, which will ultimately lead to the formation of two to four teams that will participate in the international scouting program alongside the 8 LGA Champions.
Speaking during the official unveiling of the programme at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex Yenagoa, the Prosperity Cup DG, Mr. Ono K. Akpe expressed confidence that the international scouts will be amazed by the level of skill and talent on display.
In an exclusive interview, Mr. Etemike shared his insights into the proposed programme, “Having competent coaches who understand the fundamentals of building young players is key to the development of grassroots football. With the right guidance, every team can have a successful developmental process.” However, the reality is far from this ideal situation. The lack of proper coaching and mentorship has led to numerous issues within the football community.
On his part, Mr. Nieketie also highlighted the adverse effects of inadequate development at the grassroots level. With a lack of proper guidance and support, many young players fall prey to negative influences, such as drugs and illegal activities like internet fraud. “As a coach, you are more than an instructor – you are a father, mentor, and role model to these kids. It is our responsibility to guide them in the right direction and shape their character,” he emphasized.
He further elaborated on the impact coaches have on young players, “The players look up to their coaches and often imitate their actions. If the coach is not setting a good example, it directly affects the development of grassroots football in Nigeria.” This, in turn, has resulted in a decline in the number of Nigerian players reaching the national team.
However, Mr. Nieketie stated that he is determined to change the narrative. With his vast experience and knowledge in the field, he is leading a scouting program that aims to identify and groom talented young players in Bayelsa, Nigeria. “We are hoping to bring back the former glory of Nigerian football by giving these young players the right guidance and support they need to reach their full potential,” he stated.
Mr. Nieketie believes that it is time for the football community to give back to society what it has given them. “The grassroots level gave us the platform to become who we are today, and it’s time to pay it forward,” he asserted.
He also encouraged other former football players to join this cause and help build a brighter future for Nigerian football.
This year’s edition is expected to see the following scouts: Hakan Uyanmis (Turkey), agent and CEO, H- Sports Management agency, who has just been confirmed as the new sporting director of Sakaryaspor – karagumruk of Turkey; Hilary Azudo – Sporting Director OTP of Finland; Alfred Fenech Valletta FC – team leader, and Simas Kumža – Sport Director, FK Babrungas Plungė, Lithuania
Others include Glenn Stahl – UEFA Pro license Coach FK Zagiris Kauno; Fatih Ares – Turkey Assistant Head Coach Boluspor FC , Turkey; Kestutis Petkus, Head Coach FK Babrungas Plunges, Lithuania; Augustin Jibrin, OTP Head Coach Finland, and Mindauguas Malinauskas – Goalkeeper Coach, Lithuania among others.
Highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of branded jerseys to the scouts and the signing of the contract agreement between the Prosperity Cup COC and Tristone Agency.