It was two days of intense football and unlimited talent on display at the Emmydinho FC scouting program as teams and players came to show their talent in pursuit of a chance at European football glory.
The event which started on Wednesday 21st July 2021 had in attendance various scouts from Europe watching on for talents to groom and give a chance at building a career at professional football.
One of the scouts presents spoke to Sports247 sharing his view on the progress of the program and the discovery so far.
“It’s been a fantastic two days. The organization of the tournament has been first class and the games have run really well,” Geoff Harrop said. “We’re here for the boys, we want to see them grow and they’ve put in some very good performances,” he added.
Speaking on his satisfaction when asked his impression on the quality of talent on display, Geoff said “without a doubt (I’ve been impressed). I’ve been very fortunate to work with Nigerian players in some clubs I’ve been at and with these ones it’s important to try to develop them and see where we can go with them.”
Geoff Harrop is an English scout with a consultancy firm in England and also a consultant with Southampton Football Club in the English Premier League who are known for a great academy system of grooming players for further professional football.
Speaking on the overall ability of Nigerians based on past relationships, Geoff told Sports247 that “technically they’re very very good, not just Nigeria but the whole of Africa.” He continued, “the English game is very quick so they have to adapt and it’s a different culture as well, so there is a lot of obstacles but without a doubt, we’re going to support them as we’re here for them.”
Finally asked what next with what he’s seen from the scouting program, Geoff said “the next stage is to work with these players, we have criteria in England, a way of playing and a character. We’ll look at all that but one thing they don’t have is the character but we’ll work on them, take notes to speak to those I can speak to, and then hopefully we’ll get them and academy in England.”
