Former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins has tipped outstanding players from the maiden Italian Consulate General U-20 Cup in Lagos for careers in Serie A, promising to use his connections to link the best talents with top clubs across Europe.
Martins, who scored 18 goals in 42 appearances for Nigeria and featured at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa during a career that took him to Inter Milan, Newcastle United, Birmingham City and clubs across the United States, Spain, Germany, Russia and China, served as an ambassador for the tournament alongside fellow former Super Eagles midfielder Christian Obodo.
“I am very impressed by their display. They have really shown me they have the skills to compete, and I think when they go to Italy, they can fight for their chances in Serie A,” he told our correspondent.
The six-day competition, which ran from June 2-7 at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium in Onikan, Lagos, was organised by the Italian Consulate General in Lagos as a platform for youth talent identification and cultural exchange between Nigeria and Italy. Eight teams participated, including Okaka FC, Plateau United, Bendel Insurance and 36 Lions FC.
Tournament organiser Emmanuel Omijeh said the response exceeded expectations in terms of the quality of players identified, revealing that the process of narrowing down the final group of prospects for a trip to Italy was already proving difficult.
“It’s confusing because we have too many players. I think 40 stars have been scouted, but we have to prune them down to 20, and when they get to Italy, it’s all theirs to win”.
Thanks to Lagos State for giving us the facility, and I say thanks to everyone,” Omijeh said.
Italian Consul General Ugo Bani, who was present throughout the competition, expressed his delight at how the tournament unfolded.
“It was fantastic till the end, and I hope this chance will be a great opportunity,” Bani said.
Obodo, who was plucked from the Nigerian league with Plateau United before going on to have a distinguished Serie A career with Perugia, Fiorentina and Udinese, said the standard of play in the final impressed everyone present and that he had already communicated his assessments to the clubs who sent him.
“I think we got the best at the end. It was a fantastic final, we all saw both sides and especially the team that won, and it was worth the trip. I have called those who sent me here, and I hope my judgment does justice for those who I like and they get a chance,” Obodo said.
Tournament technical director Ken Enofe said the players surpassed what he had anticipated, given the level of competition.
“It was really more than what I expected. I know African football is so good, but these guys were very impressive in playing to the standard we expected. They’re not there yet, but for this level, it was really good,” Enofe said.
Tournament chairman Kofo Williams also praised the quality on display while noting that further development remained necessary, saying, “I am very pleased with the tournament and the good talents who are still raw and will need more coaching, but they have done very well.”
The competition’s winning team and a selection of the standout players from all participating clubs will travel to Italy for a tour, during which they will undergo trials with the aim of securing professional contracts.
Martins had earlier stated that the initiative would go beyond rewarding just the winning side, with outstanding individuals from all teams also in line for European opportunities.
