Agu Champions Grassroots Revolution To Uncover Nigeria’s Next Football Greats

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Aloysius Agu has called for increased investment in grassroots football, describing youth competitions as the foundation for discovering and nurturing Nigeria’s future football stars.

Agu, a former national team captain and goalkeepers’ trainer, made the call during the grand finale of the eighth Akogun Under-20 Annual Football Competition in Oka-Akoko, Ondo State, where Ore-Ofe FC emerged champions.

Ore-Ofe defeated Owase FC 4-3 on penalties after the final ended 1-1 in regulation time in a keenly contested encounter.

The ex-international praised the quality of football displayed by the young players, saying their determination and fighting spirit reflected the potential available at the grassroots level.

“It was very interesting. We saw two teams that were really fired up to win. One team was leading before the other fought back to equalise and eventually won. That shows determination. It is not over until it is over,” Agu said.

Agu explained that scouts and coaches look beyond individual brilliance when assessing young players, highlighting technical ability, tactical awareness, positioning and decision-making as key qualities required for professional football.

He also singled out Owase FC’s number seven as a player with significant potential despite his team’s defeat in the final, urging continued support for his development.

Tournament organiser Hon. Olugbenga Omole said the competition, which began in 2018, was created to empower young footballers and provide a pathway to professional careers.

He revealed that the tournament had produced players now featuring in Europe, the Nigeria Premier Football League, Ghana and South Africa, while over 10 standout performers from this year’s edition would be sent to an academy in Abuja for further development.

Ore-Ofe FC received ₦500,000 for winning the title, Owase FC earned ₦300,000 as runners-up, while Dogo FC claimed ₦200,000 after finishing third.