Football scouts begin talent hunt at Asaba 2022 NDDC U-17 Peace Cup

The 2022 NDDC U-17 Peace Cup football tournament holding in Asaba, Delta State, has provided a platform for scouts from different parts of the world to discover talented players.

The tournament, sponsored by Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, began at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, with dozens of football scouts from around the globe visiting the match venues on daily basis to identify players, whom they hope to groom for the various national teams or for clubs abroad.

Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Umana O. Umana, declared the tournament open on Monday, with commendation for the organisers, the Grassroots Sports Federation of Nigeria (GRASOF), for its initiative in putting the event together.

Umana, who was represented by Mr. Matthew Pukuma James, said the tournament would go a long way in uniting the Niger Delta region, which was in line with the cardinal policy of establishing the interventionist agency.

The minister called for collective support for the tournament to succeed, just as he urged participating teams to put up their best performance, as well as ensure fair play at all times to key into the mantra of the competition, which is to promote peace across the region.

“I will like to first and foremost, thank Delta State for allowing a conducive atmosphere to host this special event in a period of national insecurity and economic challenge. This good gesture is indeed, worthy of commendation.

“I would also like to commend the organisers, Grassroots Sports Federation, for this laudable initiative, which not only promotes peace in the Niger Delta Region, but also provides an opportunity for young and talented lads to showcase their talents to the world.

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