The selection process which took place at the Funturf Arena, Abeokuta, Ogun State involved the participation of 128 students of the Academy selected from across 14 centres in Nigeria.
The three-day rigorous selection exercise with the panel of judges led by Super Eagles 2002 World Cup former coach, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde identified the players based on field skill display, ball intelligence and general comportment on and off the field.
Speaking shortly after the event, the Head of Marketing Seven-Up Bottling Company Plc (SBC) Mr. Norden Thurston said the UK Scholarship scheme is in line with the vision of the Academy to develop football skills and create a platform for youngsters to make their dreams come through.
He said: “The last three days has not just been about choosing two winners but showcasing the abundance of talents we have across the country, sharpening their football skills.
The essence of the scheme is to create a platform for exposure and affords the youngsters the opportunity to showcase their talents and acquire new skills to play in foreign leagues, clubs and more importantly in the national team; some of the beneficiaries are currently playing in Europe.
I wish the two winners well done and urge them to be good ambassadors of Pepsi Academy and Nigeria wherever they go,” Mr. Norden said.
Chief Onigbinde described Pepsi Football Academy as the only football academy in Nigeria. He encouraged other bodies and institutions in the country to emulate Pepsi in identifying, polishing and bring together young football talents at the grassroots to develop the game of soccer in the country.
Nneku, one of the winners, described his emergence as a result of hard work and perseverance. The Anambra born youngster, whose father is late, said the future has just begun for him and his family with the award.
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