By Daily Sports on May 16, 2017

As coach of several national teams, Stephen Keshi's name was a big attraction for many footballers desirous of shining in the international stage as they looked forward with hope that the gaffer would extend invitations to them to come play for him. Now, even in death, star footballers are still hoping to congregate in his name.

The National Association of Nigerian Professional Footballers (NANPF) is putting together a memorial football tournament for the late football icon, and it’s scheduled to kick off in July 2017.

One of the organisers of the competition (ex-Nigerian international) Edema Fuludu informed that the tournament would also serve as a scouting competition for young players hoping to make their mark in top football leagues of the world.

The tournament, an under 19 competition, has been titled Stephen Keshi National Youth Football Tournament (SKNYFT).

According to the Secretary General of the Players Union, Comrade Austin Popo, the inaugural edition of the Stephen Keshi National Youth Football Tournament (SKNYFT) takes off with the commencement of registration of potential participants across the country.

He said, "The National Youth Football Tournament for under 19 youths, which has already received the endorsement of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will serve as a most veritable platform for thousands of youths across the country to showcase their football talents and have the opportunity to be sported and selected for placement in foreign clubs by some invited football scouts from Europe and most importantly to honor and preserve the contributions and legacies of Stephen Keshi to the overall development of Africa Football and the rest of the world.

“The Stephen Keshi National Youth Football Tournament is part of the players Union activities that will be domiciled in the Stephen Keshi Football and Vocational Training Center (SKFVTC) Obazuwa Edo State, annually.

“The tournament has equally received a fresh boost from some present and past members of the Nigeria Super Eagles team who have indicated their interest as ambassadors and partners of the tournament. The finals of the tournament will kick off from the second week of July 2017 in Benin City.”

Fuludu told Daily Sports that the organisers would sign an agreement with the respective club sides that would see both parties gain in the event that a player is pencilled down for a good deal in a professional side.

The Union advised all interested participants to contact their respective Zonal offices or the Players Union Lagos Secretariat at 19 Oremeta Street off Opebi Link Road Ikeja for further details on their registration and participation.

Source Daily Sports

Posted May 16, 2017

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