Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in Nigeria has restated its commitment to the growth of football at the grassroots in the country.

Igo Weli, the General Manager, External Relations of SPDC in Nigeria, made the assertion at a reception held for the two Most Valuable Players (MVPs) selected at the 18th NNPC/Shell Cup on Saturday in Lagos.

Kelvin Amadi of Excel School in Port Harcourt, Rivers and Joseph Ejeh of FOSLA School in Abuja were selected at the competition.

The players were sponsored on a 7-day trip to Feyenoord Football Academy in the Netherlands, making it the first time players in the competition are selected to travel abroad since its inception.

Weli said that the company would not have been able to sustain the competition without the commitment and support of the Nigerian National petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

The general manager urged the players to take their education seriously, noting that education and sports worked hand in hand.

“We believe in Nigeria, we have an ongoing commitment in this and we will try and sustain it.

“We have delivered all our promises, this year’s edition was different and there was significant improvement.

“Football and academic excellence work together and they are not mutually exclusive, so, I expect them to pursue their academics along with their football career,’’ he said.

Also, Tolulope Derin-Adefuwa, who represented the NNPC, said that the trip gave the players the opportunity to increase their knowledge in football.

Derin-Adefuwa, who accompanied the players on the trip, said that the boys also conducted themselves as good ambassador of the country all through their stay.

“It was a life time experience for the boys and they had a great time in the Netherlands.

“They played with Feynord U-17 team, they watched a live match of Feyenoord and also visited the Nigerian Ambassor to the Netherlands,’’ she said.

Meanwhile, the players thanked SPDC and NNPC for the opportunity given to them.

Amadi, one of the players said the visit to the Netherlands had changed his orientation about football and also increased his knowledge in it.

“Words can’t express my gratitude to Shell for this rare opportunity. I will forever remain grateful to the organization,’’ he said.

In the same vien, Ejeh lauded the SDPC for the initiative, saying that he would remain committed to his studies and sport.

The golden boys of Excel Education Centre won the NNPC/Shell Cup with a 3-2 victory over their counterparts from Fosla Academy.

The winners received N3.5m, while the runners-up got N2.3m and the third and fourth positions received N1.3m and N1.1m respectively.