Onwuatogwu’s scouting project fights cultism, ignites dreams in Illah
In a bold move to combat cultism, unemployment, and youth disillusionment, Chief Ogbuenyi Philip Chuks Onwuatogwu, CEO of Delta Lion FC, has launched a transformative football scouting programme in Illah, Delta State. Held at Omorka Model Primary School, the event drew scouts from Europe—including Turkey, Spain, Macedonia, and Finland—aimed at identifying raw talent for international […]
In a bold move to combat cultism, unemployment, and youth disillusionment, Chief Ogbuenyi Philip Chuks Onwuatogwu, CEO of Delta Lion FC, has launched a transformative football scouting programme in Illah, Delta State.
Held at Omorka Model Primary School, the event drew scouts from Europe—including Turkey, Spain, Macedonia, and Finland—aimed at identifying raw talent for international clubs.
“I’m doing this to promote our boys and give them opportunities,” said Onwuatogwu. “When they succeed, my name will be remembered as someone who did something for his community.”
Delta Lion FC has already sent five players to Italy, with six orphans set to begin documentation for travel to Thailand. “Most of our boys are into cultism,” he added. “This is my way of pulling them out.”
Despite progress, he decried poor pitch conditions and urged government intervention: “God will help me to help them, but the government must take sports development seriously.”
Pastor Robinson Samuel Oyibo of Act Sports noted, “We’ve taken five players and a coach to Italy. Onwuatogwu is the pillar of the mission.” Torino FC scout Hilary Azodo said, “We’re taking quality, not quantity—even with the bad pitch, we saw stars.”
FIFA agent Ertekin Haluk Emre emphasized, “Nigeria has talent, but lacks structure.” Former Super Eagles player Peter Nieketien called the event “transformational.”
E.S.V. Nsolo Victor Chukwudi of IYAN said, “This gives our youths hope. We never had such chances.” Three players were selected for immediate processing, as dreams of football—and freedom—took root.