…..Says Bayelsa State is Blessed With Talents
By Hananeel Jackson
Head of scouting FDC/ VISTA GELENDZHIK scouting, Mr Nikita Poliakov says Bayelsa State is blessed with talents that can feed Europeans clubs and various national teams in the future.
FDC/VISTA GELENZHIK arrived Yenagoa, the Bayelsa state capital last week led by renowned FIFA agent Ojo Omamomo, Nikita Poliakov ,Dmitrii Churkin,former Akwa United and Plateau United and National team coach, Kennedy Boboye as well as ex international Joseph Eyimofe.
Mr Poliakov gave the commendation at the closing ceremony of four day under 17 trial at the Samson Siasia Stadium.
He said arrangement has been concluded to send five selected players from the Eighteen shortlisted players to VISTA EDC football academy in Europe for proper nurturing, academics and training, stating that they would return to Bayelsa state for another talent hunting program in due course.
While appreciating the Governor of Bayelsa state, Douye Diri for his unflinching support and love for sports,Mr.Poliakov noted that he was impressed with the array of talents displayed in the state since he arrived Bayelsa state, saying that some of the players would be moved to Europe soon.
He urged the players to always believe in themselves wherever they found themselves, calling them to always avail themselves of every given platform to showcase their skills.
Former Akwa United coach and National Team Coach Kennedy Boboye called for more scouting programs for young lads to display their talents, pointing out that there was need to have refresher courses for grassroot coaches in the state in order for them to be acquainted with modern football techniques.
Coach Boboye advised the selected players to be focused and always work hard if they want to reach the pinnacle of their chosen career, noting that as a player he never had the opportunity to be exposed to scouts.
Also, Director General of the Prosperity Cup, Mr Ono Akpe commended the local coaches for putting the various teams together, stressing that all participating teams and players had seen another level of exposure.
Mr Akpe thanked the governor, Senator Douye Diri for giving opportunity to young Bayelsans to enhance their skills while giving youths in the State the hope to compete at the international level.
He explained that the organizers of the tournament would in the months ahead embark on training programmes and refresher courses for coaches, referees in state calling on the coaches to imbibe discipline in their wards in their quest for greatness.
Mr.Akpe noted that with the level of performance displayed by the players throughout the program, it was indicative of the huge talents in Bayelsa state.
We may recall that the 1st Prosperity Cup International Scouting Programme was held in May 2022 with scouts from France, Australia and South Africa in attendance.