By Jude Atupulazi
In line with the disclosure of the MD/CEO of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, ACTDA, Mr Ossy Onuko, earlier in the year, that some football professionals and coaches from FC Barcelona in Spain would visit, to scout for players in Awka who will be given an opportunity to join the Spanish club in their lower divisions, a three-man team from the Spanish Club has arrived in Awka.
The three-man team which comprised, Daniel Busquets Ayllón, Albert Atmeller Lurbe and Ejike Paschal, arrived in Awka to a warm reception by the MD and the Chairman Anambra State Sports Commission, Patrick Estate, Sunday, July 21.
Speaking to newsmen, Ossy Onuko said that the Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, had provided the platform for the growth/development of sports in the State, hence, the willingness of sports giants like FC Barcelona, to approve the coming of their officials to Anambra State out of other states in Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Anambra Sports Commission, Mr Onyedum, applauded the initiative and appreciated the MD of ACTDA and his team for championing such an idea. He indicated that gestures like that if sustained, would revolutionize the Sports Industry in Anambra State and Nigeria in general.
He expressed the readiness of the Commission to partner with the team in ensuring that the latest objectives of their coming were met and hoped that the state’s young footballers would maximize the opportunity.
He further stated that sports development was a huge agenda in the Governor’s manifesto, for which reason he had dedicated a substantial part of the state’s budget to sports, leisure and entertainment. He further stated the need for strategic partnership with the State football team, Solution Football Club, in building a formidable football academy that would serve as a breeding ground for global football stars.
