) Two players of Youthful Ballers Academy, Abuja, David Zaccheaus and David Adegbenga Kingsley, have called for increased opportunities and investment in grassroots football to enable young talents to realise their professional aspirations.
Zaccheaus, the academy’s captain, said lack of opportunities for talented young footballers to attract scouts and investors remained one of the major challenges facing players at the grassroots.
He made this known in Abuja while speaking on his football career and aspirations.
According to him, his ambition is to become a professional footballer and play at the highest level.
“I think the dream of every young footballer is to become a professional footballer, and that is my ultimate goal, to play professional football at the highest level.
“One of the major challenges I have faced has to do with opportunities, especially people coming around to see your talent and investing in it.
“This will make sure that the talents do not just die at the grassroots and that they are seen all over the world,” he said.
Zaccheaus, who plays as a centre-back, identified Netherlands and Liverpool defender, Virgil van Dijk, as his football role model.
He also urged young footballers to remain dedicated and consistent in pursuing their professional careers.
“I would like to encourage every young footballer that is coming up. Dedication is very important and consistency.
“You don’t give up until that which you call a dream is achieved,” he said.
Zaccheaus expressed optimism that with proper support, dedication and access to opportunities, young footballers at the grassroots could develop their talents and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigerian football.
Similarly, Kingsley, the academy’s assistant captain, said he aspired to become a professional footballer and contribute to grassroots football development after establishing himself in the sport.
He said football could unite people and help reduce poverty by creating opportunities for young Nigerians.
“Actually, I dream to play professionally and also to help the upcoming footballers from the grassroots.
“I love football a lot, and I want to invest in football once I make it big because I believe football unites the world,” he said.
According to him, Nigeria has numerous talented young footballers who require the right support and opportunities to develop their careers.
“We have raw talents; lots of them, but I believe football can help a lot.
“If I play professionally and make a living, I believe I can help the upcoming ones,” Kingsley said.
The assistant captain, who described himself as a versatile player and currently operates as a right-back, identified former Netherlands international, Edgar Davids, as his football role model.
Kingsley stressed the need for increased investment in grassroots football to ensure that promising talents were identified early and provided with the necessary platforms to progress to the professional level.(NAN)
