Super Eagles and Fenerbahçe right-back, Bright Osayi-Samuel, has reaffirmed his commitment to grassroots football development in Nigeria, as he returned to Benin, Edo State to grace the final of a U-13 football tournament he personally sponsored.
The youth competition, which has drawn attention across the state, is more than just a game for Osayi-Samuel—it is a mission to discover raw talent and open international doors for aspiring youngsters through his football agency.
Read Also: Kwara United Announces 10-Day Break After Federation Cup Triumph Over Abakaliki FC
“This is my home. I’ll do anything to give my own support,” the Fenerbahçe star said during the final match. “I love football, and I want to see the new stories from Benin.
Hopefully, I can find one or two ballers and bring them to Europe. That’s the goal – to give them a chance.”
Osayi-Samuel stressed that for Nigeria to remain globally competitive, football at the grassroots must be treated as a strategic priority.
His initiative is seen as a major boost to talent identification and development in the region, at a time when many young players lack structured opportunities.
The defender, who has built a solid reputation in Europe, believes his personal journey can inspire the next generation, and his presence at the tournament’s finale sent a strong message to both fans and aspiring stars—that dreams are valid, and support can come from home.
Observers say the tournament could become a pipeline for future national team players, if sustained and supported by relevant stakeholders.
