The Cross River government says it will establish a football talent-hunt programme to identify, develop and sponsor talented young footballers to professional clubs outside Nigeria.

Kalita Aruku, chairman of the Cross River State Youth Empowerment Scheme, disclosed this in Calabar on Thursday.

Mr Aruku said the initiative, which his office would coordinate, was designed to provide a pathway for young footballers to progress from local pitches to professional football.

He described the programme as unprecedented, saying it would set a new benchmark for youth empowerment in the state and Nigeria.

According to him, the initiative will involve established footballers, experienced coaches and professional scouts who will be brought to the state to identify promising talents.

He said they would identify talent through organised football competitions and other grassroots development activities.

Mr Aruku said players considered good enough to secure opportunities with clubs abroad would receive financial support to enable them to take up such opportunities.

The chairman said the government would enter into agreements with relevant partners to ensure the programme’s sustainability.

He added that mechanisms would also be established to manage returns from players who eventually became successful professional footballers.

Mr Aruku said the initiative would not only promote sports development but also create opportunities for young people to build sustainable careers through football.

He expressed optimism that the programme would help discover talents capable of representing Cross River and Nigeria at national and international levels.

(NAN)