Football remains one of Africa’s talent export routes to Europe, Asia and the grandest stages of the world.
Nigeria, the world’s most populous black nation and a soccer giant, contributes a very substantial percentage of the continent’s football exports annually.
Very often, these talents are discovered and unearthed at grassroot soccer tournaments either organized by the state or sponsored by private individuals and organisations.
While the Ijaws of the Niger Delta are renowned for their endowment with natural resources and immense contribution to the economic growth of Nigeria, sports and football in particular is an aspect this blessed tribe has fallen short.
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Barring the eccentric performances of Samson Siasia, Finidi George, Taribo West, and Brown Ideye, a very minute number of football stars have been presented at the grandest stages of football.
Enter in the Joe Penawou Inter-Local Governments Football Tournament.
The maiden edition of what is potentially a talent discovery and export haven commenced on March 25, 2023 with a grand opening ceremony at Bomadi, the host Bomadi Local Government Area.
The tournament themed “Promoting Grassroots Football in Africa” is sponsored by the Joe Penawou Foundation, an offshoot of renowned Ijaw oil and gas mogul, Joe Penawou.
A total of nine local government areas from Delta and Bayelsa states as well as a football team of the sponsor’s hometown of Akugbene formed the bulk of teams at this year’s event.
As reiterated by the organizers, the Joe Penawou Football tournament will undoubtedly be a window for grassroot football development and an export of future football stars out of the Niger Delta.
During the opening ceremony, Mr. Penawou echoed on his awareness on the the bulk of ‘soccer talents hidden in the creeks,’ who he said ‘needs to be discovered, nurtured and exported.’
While the age-long reliance of the Niger Delta people on proceeds of crude oil is long overdue for diversification, one thing is certain, though.
At the end of the 2023 Joe Penawou Football Tournament, stars will be discovered and given the right nurturing for export to the world’s grandest stages; a sports economy will be created, while tourist attraction will surely increase.
The latest talent factory will raise more than just the economic value of the people. The Niger Delta will become the next scouting destination for football scouts from Europe, Asia and the rest of the world.
With a sustainability and continuity at the driving seat of the sponsor, the Joe Penawou Football Tournament is definitely a future stars’ haven out of the Niger Delta.
