Super Eagles and Fenerbahçe defender, Bright Osayi-Samuel, has called for greater investment in grassroots football and Nigeria’s local leagues to create more career opportunities for the nation’s teeming football talents.
Osayi-Samuel made the call on Tuesday morning at the Benin Airport upon his arrival in Benin City, the Edo State capital, to witness the final match of the Under-13 football tournament he sponsors.
The Nigerian international, who was received with a rousing welcome by the Edo State Football Association and Bendel Insurance FC supporters’ club, emphasised that despite Nigeria’s abundance of raw football talent, limited opportunities and inadequate exposure continue to hinder young players’ progress.
“I think it’s the opportunity. There are a lot of footballers that are very good in this country but they are not seen or given enough opportunities to try their luck,” Osayi-Samuel said.
“Everyone has a story. We just need to listen and invest. My tournament is a platform for these young boys to show what they are good at,” he said.
Osayi-Samuel, who arrived with his girlfriend, Tae Jackson, stressed the need for such grassroots initiatives to be scaled up, urging more stakeholders to contribute to football development.
“I’m in Benin because I have a tournament for U-13. It is in the final today and I want to come and watch. I couldn’t make it last year, so this year I had to make sure I am here.
“This is my home. I’ll do anything to give my own support. I love football, and I want to see the new stories from Benin,” he said.
The Fenerbahçe star maintained that prioritising grassroots football development is essential if Nigeria is to remain competitive on the global stage.
On the future of standout players at the tournament, Osayi-Samuel hinted at facilitating their progression through his football agency.
“Hopefully, I can find one or two footballers and bring them to Europe. That’s the goal – to give them a chance,” he said.
He described his homecoming as a privilege, adding that he was delighted to visit with his girlfriend for the first time and was confident she would enjoy her stay.
