Head coach of Nigeria’s U15 national team, Usman Ilerika has applauded the organization of the U15 EkoFootball/FCAAN Tournament and also praised the level of talents on show.
Ilerika was present at the Agege Stadium to witness some action of the regional youth competition.
In a chat with Sports247, he said: “Everyone knows that these talents are bountiful all over the country. Assessment and ability to give them the needed chance has been the bane.
“That is why youth coaches have been sent out to ensure that a program of this nature should be seen by national team coaches. This in turn encourages these boys to put in their maximum and for us to be able to scout those talents that can be useful for the age grade national team and we see those that can progress to the senior team in the future.”
Ilerika played down the pressures of inviting players to the U15 national camp, stating that the standard for the national team is high and only a handful of exceptional players are being looked at.
“There are lay down rules and criteria for selection. If a player doesn’t fall within those criteria there is no way he can be selected.
“I have seen over 500 players in the last few days here. All the names with me is not more than 6 or 7. This is the national team, there is a standard. It’s different from forming a state team where you invite up to 40 players to camp.
“Lagos is just one out of 36 states so you must set a very high standard. We are only looking at the exceptional players for the national team.
“We have seen quality players among the Eko boys. Brilliant performances and I set teams here as benchmark to assess other teams and I think the ones here are of a high level.”
Ilerika concluded by praising the organizing committee of the youth tournament for ensuring medical measures are put in place and that participating teams are time conscious.
