By Jacob Ajom

The second edition of the Nathaniel Ogedegbe Under 10/12 Football Tournament, an initiative of NOSF-Flawless Soccer ends today at the Sonibare mini-stadium Surulere, Lagos.

The U10 competition held between 7 and 8 December, while the U12 which began yesterday ends today. Eight teams participated in the two-day event which attracted grassroots teams in the area.

Speaking to Sports Vanguard at the venue yesterday, initiator of the programme and former Nigeria youth international, Nathaniel Ogedegbe said, “This is what I have been planning to do for the past 20 years but circumstances had not permitted. But the thought kept coming back to me. Today, it is a reality and it pleases my heart that it has been a huge success.”

He said that the inituiative is to provide a wide range of opportunities to younger ones through football. “I got to where I am today through football. I played my game and still went to school. As a young player, I noticed senior players like Adokiye Amiesimaka was coming to training and going back to school after training. That inspired me a lot, so when I got the opportunity to go to America on scholarship I did not think twice. Today I am an engineer.”

Ogedegbe added, “I see myself in these kids. Not all of them can become football stars. But with sound education and proper guidance, they too can become stars in other fields, if football fails them. That is why they have to be serious in their academics also.”

He promised to keep a tab on the progress of those who will be discovered in this tournament in order to assist them achieve their dreams.