Lithuanian football club FK Dembava has reportedly made a landmark decision by signing 23 Nigerian footballers to compete in the Lithuania II Lyga.
According to TheAthletic, This unprecedented move, facilitated by Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere, the General Overseer of Omega Power Ministry (OPM), signifies a major milestone in the careers of these young athletes.
The newly signed players, consisting of eight women and 15 men, officially inked their contracts during a ceremony held in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Apostle Chinyere highlighted that this event marks the culmination of the first-ever church-sponsored international football scouting exercise, aimed at providing a European platform for talented Nigerian footballers.
Over two weeks, European club owners and decision-makers conducted trials in Nigeria, leading to the selection of these promising players.
The scouted footballers will now compete in both the men’s and women’s leagues in Lithuania, a Schengen country, offering them significant international exposure.
Chinyere emphasized the meticulous planning behind the contract signing ceremony, which included the presence of club officials, the players’ lawyers, and their relatives.
This ensured that the players secured direct contracts, eliminating the uncertainties typically associated with trials in Europe.
The players are provided with visas, flight tickets, and free accommodations, allowing them to focus solely on their football careers upon arrival in Lithuania.
This historic signing not only offers a platform for Nigerian footballers to showcase their skills but also brings pride to Nigerian football fans.
The mass signing of 23 players at once underscores the immense talent and potential of Nigerian footballers and reflects FK Dembava’s commitment to developing young talent.
Moreover, this move is a significant step forward for Nigerian football, offering players valuable international experience and exposure. The inclusion of female players in this deal is particularly noteworthy, highlighting the rising prominence of women’s football in Nigeria.
FK Dembava’s decision to sign Nigerian players demonstrates a strong vote of confidence in the country’s football talent and acknowledges the potential of Nigerian players to excel in European leagues. The club’s dedication to nurturing young players is commendable, and this historic agreement is expected to open doors for more Nigerian footballers to secure international contracts in the future.
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