From TCNEWS
Super Eagles forward and AC Milan star, Samuel Chukwueze, has called for increased investment in grassroots football, emphasizing its vital role in unearthing future stars for Nigeria and the global football stage.
Chukwueze made this statement on Sunday, following the final match of the 4th edition of the Samuel Chukwueze All Stars Football League, held at Ugba Community School in Umuahia, Abia State. The match, a thrilling encounter between AC Milan FC and IPOD FC, ended in a penalty shootout, with Chukwueze scoring the decisive goal for AC Milan FC.
Nigeria has a rich football history but has struggled in recent years to consistently identify and nurture young talent. Chukwueze’s commitment to grassroots development offers a promising model for community-led talent discovery, one that bridges the gap between local passion and global opportunity.
In a heartfelt reflection after the game, Chukwueze, who once trained on the same dusty field as a teenager, said organizing local football tournaments not only connects young people to positive opportunities but also opens doors for international recognition, a journey he himself experienced.
“This is where my journey began. I was discovered here as a young boy, and today I play on some of the biggest stages in the world. I believe others can follow the same path if we continue to support grassroots competitions,” Chukwueze stated.
He noted that similar initiatives can help Nigeria build a stronger pipeline of talent, capable of competing on the world stage in both youth and senior-level tournaments. Chukwueze expressed optimism that several players who featured in the weekend’s tournament could soon attract the attention of foreign clubs and scouts.
Encouraging aspiring footballers, he said:
“To every young talent out there, this is your chance to shine. Use every opportunity, every tournament, to show the world what you can do.”
The Samuel Chukwueze All Stars Football League, now in its fourth year, has become a key grassroots initiative in Abia State, drawing hundreds of young players and fans. It continues to serve as a platform for showcasing talent from underserved communities, particularly in areas where access to formal football academies is limited.
Chukwueze’s ongoing investment in grassroots football reinforces the idea that talent, when nurtured from the roots, can blossom into international excellence, a story he continues to live and now helps others write for themselves.
