Football expert Harry Varley George’s positive assessment of the N-Youth League (NYLC) U19 Mid-Season Invitational Tournament highlights the potential of young football talent in Nigeria.
His observations suggest that the quality of play and the skills displayed by 60 participating young players at the MKO Abiola National Stadium Abuja from Thursday, January 9 to Sunday, January 12, bode well for the future of the sport in the country.
Harry Varley George has informed that the future of football in Nigeria is bright going by the quality he saw in the maiden edition of N-Youth League (NYLC) U19 Mid-Season Invitational Tournament.
George described the tournament as ‘very high’ in standard and competitiveness, saying there’s a lot of promising signs to tape from.
“The level will improve in subsequent editions. We have been able to identify one or two players that will make it in Europe,” George said.
He commended NYLC President Robinson Adakosa over the top notch organization of the programme.
“I have been to many events across Africa, organisation of programmes is always difficult but here we are having flawless and well coordinated programmes.
Kudos to the organizer for putting in place a seamless and perfect tournament”
“Positive progress for football in Nigeria as there’s no league in the World you don’t find a Nigerian player doing well. So it is developing fast.
“I saw some young players, but the physical and technical abilities are key for European football.
Assessing the exercise after the end of the programme, some of the scouts hailed the players for displaying high soccer maturity despite their young age.
FIFA agent Ryan Badu opines that several of the players have the potential to break into top European clubs.
“Yes, we have seen players like Kanu Nwankwo playing for Arsenal. I’m sure some of the players here too will break into top clubs. We have seen their statistics through Wycout. We just need to develop and harness their talents. We will continue to monitor them”
NYLC president, Robinson Adakosa thanked the chairman National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko and director general, Hon.Bukola Olopade for their support and assistance towards the success of the tournament.
He equally appreciated NFF president Ibrahim Gusau and secretary general, Dr.Sanusi Mohammed for their assistance and support.
The NYLC which is an U19 league second stanza will get underway on Tuesday across the nation. Kano Pillars and Sunshine of Akure are leading the table in their respective conferences.
