Sports
Our Target Is To Nurture Talents To Podium – Makanjuola Nureni
…. As over 5,000 footballers hit Abuja for scouting
Joel Ajayi
Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of Water Football Club of Abuja, Mr Makanjuola Nureni has revealed that his desire in life is to help the young talented players by picking them from nowhere, nurturing them until they become great players.
He stated this on Wednesday in Abuja where over five thousand footballers turned up for the Water FC of Abuja football trail.
The ongoing three-day trial FIFA Goal Project, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Package B, Abuja, saw thousands of players from across the federation turn up for the screening.
Speaking during the exercise, the soft spoken CEO Mr Makanjuola said that Water FC is mainly for people that don’t have support and don’t have connections but they have talents and are unique.
“Of a truth, 90% of some unique and good players are at home and they are referred as “Housing FC” and we don’t want them to be “Housing FC” anymore, we want them to pursue their dream that’s why Water FC is giving this good platform to young and unique players to come and showcase their talents.
“We will not demand any money from them but we will give give them a platform to showcase their talent and become great in life in terms of football career”
He said that the trial was meant for players in 3 categories within the age of 13 and 24 years.
“Water FC are looking for young talents from age 13 to16, to groom, age 17 to 19 to take abroad for professional contracts and age 19 to 24 to play in NNL next season.
“Water FC wants to open doors for them to showcase themselves to any level in their football career”.
However, Water Football Club of Abuja, has produced exceptional players who have played for national teams including U-17, U-20, U-23 and the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Sports
From Mavlon FC to Finland: The Rising Journey of James Samuel Friday
Joel Ajayi
James Samuel Friday, a promising young goalkeeper from Nigeria, has recently made headlines following his transfer from Mavlon FC to SJK Seinäjoki II in Finland. Born on April 5, 2006, the 18-year-old shot-stopper is already making a name for himself with his impressive performances between the sticks.
Mavlon FC, a Nigerian club renowned for identifying and nurturing young talents, discovered Friday at just 12 years old in 2018. His early recruitment under the club’s “catch them young” policy underscores their confidence in his abilities. Over the years, his dedication and hard work have been instrumental in shaping his promising career.
During his time at Mavlon FC, Friday also gained valuable international exposure, participating in the prestigious 73rd and 74th Viareggio Youth Tournaments in Italy. His performances caught the attention of scouts and clubs beyond Nigeria’s borders.
On February 1, 2025, Friday officially joined SJK Seinäjoki II, a Finnish club where he aims to develop further and gain vital experience in a competitive European environment. Prior to this significant move, he was invited by English club Charlton Athletic for a training and development program in London, where he impressed the technical crew and management with his goalkeeping skills.
Internationally, Friday has already represented Nigeria at the U20 level. He made his debut on March 7, 2024, under coach Ladan Bosso, earning his first cap for the national team. Since then, he has remained committed to improving his game and proving himself on bigger stages.
In modern football, where goalkeepers are expected to contribute to team play beyond shot-stopping, Friday excels with his ball-playing abilities. His precise passing allows him to connect with teammates effectively, facilitating quick transitions from defense to attack. Standing tall at 1.95m, he commands his area with authority and provides a strong presence between the posts.
With his talent, work ethic, and the right environment at SJK Seinäjoki II, Friday is poised for a bright future in European football.
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