Four students win FCV Gladiator scholarships
Four students, Chikwere Ikpo, Yakubu Danladi, Stephen Akhimien, and Sadiq Musa, who were among the over 100 students that converged on Grange School, Lagos for the second FCV Gladiator Camp, have been awarded scholarships for training tours in the UK.
The five-day clinic was organised by Dynaspro Promotion Limited in collaboration with the UK-based FCV International Academy with the aim of unearthing talents in their bid to enhance the football ecosystem in Nigeria.
They are expected to embark on a two-week training tour of the UK-based FCV International Academy by July.
Former Super Eagles star Mutiu Adepoju, who mentored the students on combining sports and education, commended the organisers for staging such a camp that will improve football development in the country.
“I served as an example to you all. My career would have been cut short if I failed to imbibe the spirit of resilience. I almost gave up when I was dropped by club and national team coaches, but the capacity to withstand difficulties kept me going, and here I am today, telling you all my success stories. I urge you all never to give up, and I pray you will succeed in all endeavours,” Adepoju said.
Reacting to the successful scouting programme, senior manager at FCV International Academy, Kerem Karacauli, described Nigeria as a hotbed of football talents that should be well harnessed.
“I’m satisfied with what I have seen so far. Although most players are still works in progress, I think they will all improve as time goes on. We spotted some qualities in some of the players, and the ability to take the ball under control instinctively is another key skill we all observed. Some players know exactly what they’re going to do before receiving the ball, and I think with all these, the lads will go places,” he stated.
Similarly, FCV International Academy youth coach Laim Merrick also noted that the academy would be willing to help shape the players to high standards.
“Our duty is to help scout and nurture talented players. The modern game is quicker than ever, and it is very difficult for youngsters who lack pace to make it in the professional game. Technically, the boys are good, and it’s left for us to help correct them when they get to the UK,” he
added.
