The French Embassy in Nigeria has shown commitment to the development of football from the grassroots in Nigeria by collaborating with Simoiben Football Academy, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Simoiben is an academy owned by the wife of Super Eagles star Moses Simon, Ibukun.
The French Embassy in Nigeria donated 10 balls each to the participating teams, a set of jerseys and 30 pairs of boots to the seven teams taking part in a scouting tournament in Kaduna.
One of the teams that took part in the scouting tournament included Taiwo Awoniyi’s academy team from Ilorin.
The tournament which ended on Sunday in Kaduna had scouts from Ligue 1 clubs Nantes and Nimes and a top agent named Willy who represents three teams in the teams in French top flight.
The cooperation attachee of the embassy Ketty Regis who was physically present at the event said, “It’s part of our goals for the development of football in Nigeria.
“The commitment of France is to use sports as a tool for nation building as they prepare to host the Olympic games.”
Simon who convened the programme said, “I thanked the French embassy for this gesture.
“Our goals and objectives are to help as many young footballers from Africa who have dreams of playing professional football achieve their goals in life.”
The Nantes star is currently recuperating from an injury which made him miss Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic.
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