500 players storm Esperanza open trial

By Akeem Lawal 

OVER 500 aspiring footballers took part in the Esperanza Football Club’s open trial held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere in Lagos, Sportsbiz247.blogspot.com reports.

The three-day screening session which came to an end on Tuesday, was done under the watchful eyes of FIFA licensed agents and scouts, Ricardo Costa and Amaro from Portugal.

After the players were put through rigorous training sessions, 25 who were selected from the pool will form the bedrock of the non-league club, while about three players who excelled during the trial will have the opportunity of travelling abroad for club football.

In a chat with Sportsbiz247.blogspot.com, Costa said Nigeria is blessed with talent players as he was impressed with the players’ attitude during the trial.

“With what I’ve seen so far, Nigeria is blessed with young and very talented players. We will try to pick two to three players for clubs in Portugal,” Costa noted.

President of the club, Ovie Efe said the trial was thrown open to young players free as their own way of engaging the youths positively.

“The idea behind is like humanitarian service, bringing out something out of nothing to the youths. We all can see what is happening in the country as a result of idleness of our young ones. We are doing this for the love and passion for the game.

“I’ll rate this open trial high, the turnout was impressive and I never expected it. This is the first time and I know that with time things will get better.

“I see good talented footballers who will become great stars in the nearest future.

“My immediate plan for them is to give them everything that football has to offer, from this stage to the highest level in football,” Efe said.

One of the best scouting manager in Nigeria, Bishop Joseph Tonny revealed to Sportsbiz247.blogspot.com that he combed the nooks and crannies of the country for the players who attended the trials.

Bishop who is the club’s Director of Football said the club remained committed to fishing talents from grassroot and give them opportunity to excel.

“We thank God for the success of the trial. We had to go all out to ensure that our best players are given the chance to showcase their talents at no cost to them. So out of the over 500 players that came around, 25 have been picked for the club.”