By Chigozie Chukwuleta
The Bayern Youth Cup Nigeria recently concluded in Lagos has once again proven to be a launching pad for young footballers in the country, with its 7th edition showcasing the best of Nigerian talent. We spoke with the Director, Bayern Youth Cup Nigeria, Mr Victor Edeh, about the success of the project, its impact on youth football development, and plans for the future. From talent identification to player development, our conversation highlights the significance of the Bayern Youth Cup Nigeria in shaping the country’s football future.
Excerpts…
Q. What are your reflections on the success of the 7th edition of the Bayern Youth Cup Nigeria, and what made it stand out from previous editions?
A. Eko for show. It was really a showpiece on the national finals return to Lagos since 2020. The first time a team from the host city is winning the tournament. The media support. Our ambassadors and former World Finals Champions, Victor Orakpo and Sodiq Mohammed gracing the event, and of course, the talent on display. The 7th edition really had it all.
Q. How has the tournament impacted the development of youth football in Nigeria, and what benefits do you see for the participating players?
A. It’s now an established pathway for young footballers that provides them an opportunity to compete in a high level tournament properly organised by a European team. The number of graduates who have directly become professionals through the pathway speaks volume about its benefits to youth football in Nigeria.
Q What are your plans for the future of the Bayern Youth Cup Nigeria, and are there any new initiatives or partnerships on the horizon?
A. We are always open to collaborations and partnerships but first we have to focus on preparations for the world finals in October before sitting back to evaluate this edition and how we can improve upon it.
Q How do you assess the partnership between Bayern Munich and Nigerian football stakeholders, and what opportunities do you see for further collaboration?
A. It’s an authentic collaboration that arguably has no rivalry in the country. I can’t think of any club in the world who have directly impacted Nigerian youth football the way FC Bayern Munich have; from over 20,000 participants since the Youth Cup started to steady representation in the FC Bayern World Squad and Global academy, to actually signing our boys. There are more projects in the pipeline geared towards improving and supporting our youth players and coaches.
Q. What are the challenges you encountered in organizing the tournament from the inception to date and how did you overcome them?
A. The economics required in delivering a top tier tournament and lack of adequate sports infrastructure are right at the top of the challenges. There are also administrative challenges in obtaining travel documents and visas for the selected players. The success the project has enjoyed in opening professional doors for players also means that it has become a target for age fraud.
Overcoming the challenges requires a multifaceted approach as each problem has its own peculiarities. We enjoy support from the German consulate on the visa front and have been lucky to always collaborate with facility owners to host the finals annually. Our dynamic screening process before, during and after the tournament ensures that we tackle the issue of age fraud.
Q. How do you select the participating teams and players for the tournament, and what criteria do you use to evaluate their potential?
A. Talent identification is really based on perspective and it is even more complicated when you have to predict potential using current ability. The number of success stories means our ways work, and that way relies on the nationwide scope of the project which ensures our scouting is deep and pool of talent accessed is broad enough to churn out high level players consistently.
Q What role do you think the Bayern Youth Cup Nigeria plays in promoting football development and talent identification in the country?
A. I mentioned earlier that it provides a pathway and gives hope to participants. The Bayern Youth Cup Nigeria also provides a scouting ground for top youth academies in the country to identify talent that they can recruit into their youth ranks as we have done the job of bringing the top talent from all over the country to one location.
Q. Are there any notable success stories of players who have participated in the tournament and gone on to play professionally?
A. It’s a long list. Victor Orakpo (OGC Nice), Daniel Francis and David Emmanuel (FC Bayern Munich), Barnabas Moses (NK Radomlje), Lawal Waris (Skantes), Kelvin Agho (Crystal Palace), Nwachukwu Christian (Sheffield United), Goodlad Gideon (Sheriff), Stanley Iheanacho (CD Mafra) have all signed professional contracts in Europe with making more coming after them.
Q. How do you ensure the safety and well-being of the participating players, coaches, and officials during the tournament?
A.The tournament being a top tier one and also one for minors means that safeguarding participants is non-negotiable. All safeguarding guidelines and recommendations are in place at our events to ensure that the players compete in a safe environment.
Q. What message do you have for the players, coaches, and teams that participated in the 7th edition, and what advice would you give to those who are looking to participate in future editions?
A. From my end, it’s thanks and appreciation to the players, coaches and teams that participated. We are delighted with the display of sporting excellence, determination and FairPlay. It encourages us to keep organising this event. For future participants, work hard and know that the opportunity will come to experience a Bayern Youth Cup and join the pathway.
Q. How has the tournament contributed to the growth of football in Nigeria, and what impact do you see it having on the country’s football future?
A. In the next 5 years, the impact will be clear because we will have produced players who have represented the Super Eagles. Already we have produced players for the youth national teams and will continue to do so.
Q. What role do you think the FC Bayern Youth Cup has played in promoting German football philosophy and values in Nigeria?
A. It has been instrumental in promoting the values here. At least 700-1000 players have left the national finals with an authentic FC Bayern complete jersey. We have teams playing in Bayern jerseys for their games. The effect is that more and more people support the team and follow their progress knowing that they have a real connection through the project.
Q. What are your expectations for the future of the FC Bayern Youth Cup in Nigeria, and do you see opportunities for expansion or growth of the program?
A. We are always looking to develop and grow the project and believe that with the right collaborations, we will achieve that.
Q. Are there any plans to expand the tournament to other parts of the country or to increase its international participation?
A. We evaluate this for every edition and make a decision depending on resources available to the foundation. In theory, we would love to host qualifiers in every state so that no talent slips through the crack.
Q. What qualities would you tell Nigerian players that are essential for success, also advice young Nigerian players who aspire to make a career in professional football.
A. For me, attitude is the most important. Attitude, willingness to learn, discipline and hard work are my recommendations. It is also important to enjoy the game.
Q. What other projects do VOE have in Nigeria and globally?
A. We operate two teams at the VOE Centre of Excellence. U16 and U19s who participate in the TCC league and NLO. The Coach Academy For Coach Education and the Books To Boot project where we support the education of talented players who cannot afford their education costs. Ultimately, our dream is to build our own infrastructure, The VOE Centre of Excellence where top kids will reside and develop while transitioning from youth football to professional football.
Q. Are there any plans for women’s football in VOE’s scheme of things?
A. I was coach at Sheffield Wednesday Ladies and understand the importance of developing women’s football. The falcons are also the most successful national team in Africa so the centre of excellence will have both girls and coed teams to support efforts being made in uplifting our ladies.
