480 youths selected for U-17 Airtel Open camping

They were shortlisted after a three-week of nation-wide football activities in selected zones across the country. A statement by a telecommunications company, Airtel Nigeria, said the camping would hold simultaneously across eight zones of the country between Sept. 13 and Sept. 14. The youngsters were picked after rigorous three-day skill assessment by the coordinating coaches. […]

They were shortlisted after a three-week of nation-wide football activities in selected zones across the country.

A statement by a telecommunications company, Airtel Nigeria, said the camping would hold simultaneously across eight zones of the country between Sept. 13 and Sept. 14.

The youngsters were picked after rigorous three-day skill assessment by the coordinating coaches.

The youth were drilled using a three-way test paramete, game intelligence, physique and techniques. The programme is being sponsored by leading telecommunication company Airtel Nigeria.

The closed camping would hold in Lagos, Owerri, Ibadan, Abeokuta, Gombe, Kano, Kaduna, Port Harcourt and Jos.

The statement said that 60 players- 30 boys and 30 girls respectively would emerge from the open camping.

It said that 6,000 youngsters registered for the programme. The country was divided into eight zones: Lagos 1 & 2, North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-West, South-East, South-South.

The screening centres were as follows: — Lagos, Owerri, Ibadan, Abeokuta, Gombe, Kano, Kaduna, Port Harcourt and Jos.

The programme also featured a mental skills session, communication workshop, life skills and an-all football clinic with Nwankwo Kanu, former skipper of Nigeria’s Super Eagles who was tournament partner.

The best three teams in the tournament at the national championship would be rewarded with cash prizes. (NAN)