Young sportsmen and women in Nigeria, particularly footballers, have been urged to embrace hard work to be successful in their chosen career.
A renowned cleric, Prophet Sam Olu Alo, who gave the advice, said most young sportspersons in the country are not realizing their dreams because they always put money first with no regard for hard work.
Alo, who is the planter of the Christ Apostolic Church, Grace of Mercy Prayer Mountain spoke at the conclusion of a weeklong trials for players to be recruited for newly formed Adamimogo Football Club.
No 727 players turned up for the trials and screening.
Apart from the football club, which has been registered and licensed to feature in the Nigeria National League One (NNLO) next year, Adamimogo football academy for the children between the age of 8-15 was also floated by the man of God.
The Ido-Ekiti born cleric said the young footballers were selected from across Nigeria without consideration for religion, language and ethnicity.
Speaking further on the gains of hardwork, the Adamimogo FC proprietor said, “Work hard for your stars to shine and see this as an avenue to serve your self and not me.
“The reason some of our youth are not realizing their dreams is that they put money first in whatever they do and not ready to work hard first. Also, some want to start football today and go play abroad today. It doesn’t happen like that always.”
On why he is forming the football club and the academy, Prophet Alo said, “As a sports lover, it is an inspiration and vision I received from God to support our youth spiritually and physically for them to realize their dreams and fulfil destinies.”
He added, ‘I am sure before the end of the year or by next year, football scouts from Europe and other parts be coming in search for talents here.
“I and my partners across the world will also be bringing football merchants from Europe to come here and watch your matches and see how to facilitate your travelling abroad to play professional football.”
The Adamimogo FC coordinator, Mr Adetunla Abiodun and the Chief coach of the club, Mr Emmanuel Adeniyi said footballers that can fit into the plans of the team to achieve result in NLO have been selected.
Adetunla said, “This is the first phase of the the screening, we shall inject more good players into the team, play competitions, friendly matches as we report for close camping in preparation for the league.”
According to coach Adeniyi, “The trials was successful. This is just the beginning and we know we are going higher. We need 35 good players to form the team. They are thought and developed in the modern way of playing football.”
One of the players, who participated in the trial, Emmanuel Giveth, said the football team has given him an opportunity to relaunch his career after returning from Turkey.
“I saw a future here after returning from Turkey where I was almost stranded. I think it was made for me. Many footballers will benefit from this,” he said.
For a 16-year-old Azeez Qudus, it is an avenue for him to pursue his dream of playing football at a higher level.
