From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
Nigerian former international, Austin Eguavoen has showered encomiums on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), for providing platform for the discovery of talents to regenerate the retiring sportsmen and women through the CNB financial institutions’ football games.
The former Super Eagles captain and chief coach who said that he spotted quality players to recommend to clubs, revealed during the finals that he was a product of the competition.
While lauding the apex bank for its consistency in sponsoring the competition which he said had thrown up some world class players over the last three decades, he said he was proud to identify with the competition.
In his words: “I played in this competition in 1985 or 86 for ACB and when I was contacted to be part of this year’s edition, I did not think twice because of what the competition means to me and some of my friends.
“What I have seen in terms of quality of football on display today compares to top class NNL game and I have noted some players whom I will refer to some coaches and clubs,” he said.
Similarly, CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, promised to produce stars in the mode of Eguavoen, Austin Okocha, late Stephen Keshi and other notable retired stars, adding that the apex bank will continue to provide the sporting platform for the discovery of more world class talents.
Emefiele, said they will continue to provide the opportunity for the youth to channel their energy and be empowered to be useful to themselves and the society at large. The Governor, who was represented by the Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Isaac Okorafor, further stated that some players, who had played at the CBN financial institutions football competition, had gone ahead to become world class stars like Austin Eguavoen, late Stephen Keshi, Austin JJ Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu among others.
“I am delighted that what we are doing in tennis, in golf and in football is yielding positive result, if we measure it against the quality of players, who have played in this competition in the last 31 years and have gone ahead to play for the various national teams and big clubs abroad.”
He added: “We are happy that one of those, who played in this competition some years ago, Austin Eguavoen, who is our special guest today, went ahead to captain the national team, the Super Eagles and also coached the same team.”