Bright Samuel-Osayi, Super Eagles and Fenerbahçe defender, has unveiled an under-13 football tournament aimed at nurturing rising stars in Edo State.
DAILY POST reports that the tournament, tagged the 2nd Bright Osayi U-13 Football, comes with an enhanced prize offering and is designed to encourage grassroots talent development in the state.
Michael Osaron, an uncle to the footballer, disclosed this at a press conference held in Benin City.
Osayi stated that the youth championship was intended to shape character, foster friendships, and transform raw ability into professional potential.
According to him, the tournament is more than a mere competition; it is a platform for showcasing natural talent.
“To my young players, I urge you to give your best, learn from each other, and enjoy the game. Remember, winning is not everything. It’s about the joy of playing, the thrill of competition, and the lessons you learn along the way.
“To our coaches, officials, and supporters. Thank you very much for your tireless efforts in shaping these young minds and bodies. Your contributions are invaluable to the growth of football in our state.
“As we celebrate the second edition of this tournament, we look forward to witnessing the emergence of new stars, the growth of existing talent, and a display of exceptional sportsmanship,” he said.
The Nigerian international encouraged the youngsters to savour the joy of play and the enduring lessons that sport offers beyond the final whistle.
Osayi, who rose from local pitches to Europe’s top leagues, emphasised that every participant would depart with lessons more lasting than trophies.
In his welcome address, Fred Erhunmwunse, the chairman of the Edo Football Association, described the maiden edition as the most successful youth tournament in the state’s history.
Erhunmwunse noted that the star prize in the first edition was N1 million, but the sponsor had pledged an increased prize for this edition.
He added that the first runner-up would receive N750,000, while the third prize stood at N500,000.
The 2025 edition will also feature new award categories, including Best-Behaved Team, Highest Goal Scorer, Best Defender, Most Valuable Player, Man of the Match, and Best Coach.
The chairman of the Edo Football Association, who commended the sponsor for investing in grassroots sports development, called for the collaboration of participating teams and other stakeholders to ensure the success of the event.
He further urged the players to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the tournament, stating that discovered talent would be engaged in future competitions.
