Martins Encourages Young Players from Italian Consulate Tournament for Serie A Careers

Former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins has praised talented players from the first Italian Consulate General U-20 Cup in Lagos. He plans to use his connections to help the best players get spots at top clubs in Europe.

Martins scored 18 goals in 42 matches for Nigeria. He played at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. His career included time at Inter Milan, Newcastle United, Birmingham City, and clubs in the US, Spain, Germany, Russia, and China. He served as an ambassador for the tournament with another former Super Eagles player, Christian Obodo.

“I am very impressed by their display. They have really shown me they have the skills to compete, and I think when they go to Italy, they can fight for their chances in Serie A,” he told our correspondent.

The six-day tournament ran from June 2-7 at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium in Onikan, Lagos. The Italian Consulate General in Lagos organized it to find youth talent and promote cultural exchange between Nigeria and Italy. Eight teams took part, including Okaka FC, Plateau United, Bendel Insurance, and 36 Lions FC.

Emmanuel Omijeh, the tournament organizer, said they were surprised by the quality of players found. He mentioned that it was hard to pick the final group of players who would go to Italy. “It’s confusing because we have too many players. I think 40 stars have been scouted, but we have to prune them down to 20, and when they get to Italy, it’s all theirs to win.”

He thanked Lagos State for providing the facilities and expressed gratitude to everyone involved. Italian Consul General Ugo Bani was present during the tournament and shared his excitement about how it went. “It was fantastic till the end, and I hope this chance will be a great opportunity,” Bani said.

Obodo, who was discovered in the Nigerian league with Plateau United before enjoying a successful Serie A career with Perugia, Fiorentina, and Udinese, said the final match impressed everyone. He communicated his thoughts to the clubs that sent him. “I think we got the best at the end. It was a fantastic final, we all saw both sides and especially the team that won, and it was worth the trip. I have called those who sent me here, and I hope my judgment does justice for those who I like and they get a chance,” Obodo said.

Ken Enofe, the tournament's technical director, said the players did better than he expected given the competition. “It was really more than what I expected. I know African football is so good, but these guys were very impressive in playing to the standard we expected. They’re not there yet, but for this level, it was really good,” Enofe said.

Kofo Williams, the tournament chairman, praised the quality on display. He noted that while the talents are promising, they still need more development. “I am very pleased with the tournament and the good talents who are still raw and will need more coaching, but they have done very well.”

The winning team and selected standout players from all clubs will travel to Italy for a tour. They will undergo trials to aim for professional contracts. Martins had earlier mentioned that the initiative would not just reward the winning team, as outstanding individuals from all teams would also be in line for European opportunities.