The then Nigerian wonder boy of 1993 U – 17 Atlanta Georgia Olympic Gold medalist, Mr. Mobi Patrick Oparaku, MON has thrown his weights behind the maiden- City Cruz Lian Sports European 1st Annual U-19 Scouting Tournament holding in Owerri, Imo State capital.
The five days historical event which commences Sunday (12/09/021) at Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri Convocation Playing Ground will end this week Friday with more than 13 football clubs from South East and South South geopolitical zones poised to trade tackles as already drawn in two killer groups comprising A and B.
The tournament which also is strategically packaged for reputable foreign clubs scouts to hunt for talented players is being presented by Landmark Sports and Entertainment and powered by City Cruz Hotels, Owerri.
Oparaku the Olympic Gold medalist who actively played for Nigeria as left full back defense maestro between 1996-2003 is also detailed to be the Special Guest of Honour during the crucial tournament.
To cement how important the multi million Naira tournaments will be in the lives of Imo and Nigerian youths at large, the idols like Mikel Agu and Simy Nwankwo have been declared the Ambassadors of the world class tournament.
According to Mr. Maliki Kachi Atufule one of top organizers of the soccer fiesta, “come prepared to thrill and win as there would be foreign club scouts to seek for talented players. There are special guests like Antonio Gialloreto, Players Agent and Sports Attorney, Lian Sports Europe Omar Sciolla and African Chief scout Olympic Marseille” he informed.
The teams are grouped into two with group A parading famous football clubs like Heartland FC, Good Soccer FC, Ku Kalifa FC,Golden Boot Fc, Malick Pro FC, Godgrace FC and Mate FC while Group B are studded with football clubs like CENN FC, City Cruz FC. De Essential Academy, Mgbala FC SS Strikers FC, First Mahill FC among others.
The tourney is expected to uncover hidden talents who are ready to ply their skills overseas.
