Local and International football scouts are presently in Ilorin, Kwara state, for the Amapro Football Tournament, organised by Phreestyle Sports to select talented footballers for international opportunities.
The tournament commenced on Monday 23rd August, 2021, at the Main-Bowl of the Kwara State Stadium Complex, Ilorin.
Speaking at the Press Conference, the Coordinator of the competition, Shogo Shodunnke said that the tournament is also an opportunity at empowering the youths.
“This football competition amongst the selected teams will be a unique concept which will be centered on discovering talented footballers,” the Phreestyle CEO said.
“The tournament will be used as a means to empower the youths as they show the stuff in them.
“Teams will have an opportunity to ensure that their players are scouted,” he said.
Modena Scout, Diego Failla and UK based Intermediary Benedict Eni were present at the Press Conference held in Elite Tranquility Hotel, Ilorin.
“Africa is a window to scout players. I hope to see some raw talents and enjoy my stay here in Nigeria,” Fialla mused.
According to Eni, who is a UK based Intermediary; the objective is to have partnership with clubs abroad.
“I don’t go to clubs and compel them to sign these players. I only approach them for partnership. Some clubs have their conditions which I have to agree with,” he explained.
“We request for players we can develop, grow and sell. Football is business. No club in Bulgaria want to keep Lionel Messi. If they find the next Messi, these teams want to sell him. Every club wants to sell including Real Madrid. Clubs want to identify talents they can grow and sell.”
“Scouts will tell you they want U-18 and U-19 lads. I’m an agent who needs good players,” he added.
It was an enthralling moment in the matches played on Day One of the Championship.
The first game of the day saw Mokwa FA claim a 2-1 win over a strong-willed Olanshile Football Academy. In the second game, Abraysport FC cruised to a 2-1 victory over Hammola Int’l FC courtesy of a brace from Omolaoye Abiodun.
In the last game of the day, Amapro Selected gave a good account of themselves’ losing 2-1 to NPFL All Stars.
Shola Abdulraheem scored the opener for NPFL All Stars with a fine strike inside the area in the 23rd minute before Yakub Hammed extended the lead with a screamer in the 29th minute.
Minutes into the second half, Abdulrahman Bashir missed the chance of putting the game beyond Amapro Selected as he hit the crossbar from the penalty spot.
Amapro Selected got back in the game after Oyelade Michael scored from the spot in the 70th minute. However, despite the fight from Amapro Selected, NPFL All-Stars still saw out the win in style.
Meanwhile, action continues today, as players try to impress Scouts on ground at the Amapro Football tourney in Ilorin.
