Uyo, Akwa Ibom state capital is hosting a football feast that has featured academy talents that has so far fascinated former West Brom and Tottenham first-team scout, Mr Simon Hunt.
Mr. Hunt a former professional football player in UK and Sweden said, “Basically am really impressed with the youngsters. I’ve been here for a week and have seen hundreds of players. To be honest, the Super Star Academy has unbelievable talented players.”
The Super Star Academy in the past one month screened about 500 teenage players who arrived in Uyo from different parts of the country and beyond.
According to the Academy President, Mr Victor Akpugo, “the screening continues in these training matches to make sure of who is involved and who is not.” Apugo was equally delighted to have the boys play under the watchful eyes of the veteran scout, Simon Hunt.
Two matches were played on Wednesday at West Itam Secondary School, Uyo mini stadium complex. In the first game, Super Stars Academy (group 1) defeated Eleme Football Academy 2-1 while Super Stars Academy( group 2) topped a very tactical side, De Ark Academy by 3-1 at the same venue.
Hunt noted that 80 percent of the teenage players within 14 to 18 years old were keen learners and are very competitive. “In my career I travel a lot but I have always get drawn back to Africa and in particular, Nigeria. I think the talent here is fantastic.”
As many of the players sweat it out under the hot February skies, they desire to be sported and given the opportunity to excel. Hunt however, observed that Super Stars Academy has offered good coaching and advice on how frequent competition like this pre-tournament matches would bring needed improvement as long as the young players remain stradfast while waiting for the golden opportunity in big clubs.
“They will have a chance because we have been bringing in clubs from Europe and America for the past two years. You will see in not too distant future that many of these players will be already gone.”
For the organisers of the screening matches, the standard of performances were adjudged to be higher as the year goes by. “Most people are looking for these types of boys”, Hunt said.
Super Stars Academy boss, Apugo confirmed that Uyo was chosen to host all these football actions because of the standard of the facilities in the state. “Uyo has befitting pitch at the Nest of Champions, good road network, airport and good security. Everything here is befitting and improving.”
About 16 players involved in the Super Stars Academy scouting program last November are in Spain, Ukraine and Czech Republic.
UK deals have been mentioned to be difficult because of stringent travel conditions and Britexit policy.
