By Unukere Oboh
No fewer than 300 talent young footballers will be picked in the first phase of the 60 Goals Soccer Stars Project, a talent search and scouting endeavor on going in Abuja
It is expected that 150 players will be picked nationwide for the second phase scheduled to hold before the end of the year for proper camping.
The screening programme which began on Wednesday is part of its ongoing nationwide grassroots talent hunt.
The Soccer Stars Project, its organisers say, is to identify and empower young Nigerian football players by offering them the opportunity to showcase their talents.
The programme which will end on Fridayn will enable young footballers within the FCT to l be assessed on the basis of their potential by international coaches and scouts.
According to the organisers, the first phase of the screening project is being carried out in 13 states of the federation, including the FCT.
The screening in Abuja has since attracted budding players from over 30 football clubs, as well as players who registered for the talent hunt as individuals.
There were also a number of female football players who went to the venue with the hope of making the cut for the next phase.
Francis Ikechukwu, 60 Goals Soccer Stars Project Manager, said 25 players would be selected from Abuja centre to advance to the next phase.
“We hope to select 25 players from the many you can see here today. We have players from more than 30 clubs, apart from those who registered as individuals.
“Players who prove to have the exceptional skills and qualities necessary to succeed will be put forward for the second screening by the European Club Representatives.
“The second phase will take place in Lagos, while the final selection will take place in Enugu and Delta states by the European Club Representatives,” he said.
Ikechukwu, who is a former under-23 national team player, also said so far nine players have secured international deals under the project.
Some of the players who spoke at the event expressed hope of making it to the second phase of the project.
Muhammed Abdullahi of Emirates Football Club told newsmen that even though the crowd was intimidating, he would put in his best and leave the rest to the scouts.
“I didn’t know how many people have turned up like this, but it doesn’t matter since it is open to every qualified player. I will however try my best,” he said.
Another player who simply identified himself as Dan from Josh Football Club wondered how the scouts would single out 25 players from the lot.
“The way it is, we are more than 500 and picking 25 players out of all of us will be a huge task for the coaches. However, our job as players is to show our talent,” he said.
The project is being sponsored by Ned Nwoko, a Nigerian lawyer and politician.
