Samuel Chukwueze has called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to prioritise grassroots talent development, emphasising the untapped potential in local football across the country.
Speaking at the final of the fourth edition of the Samuel Chukwueze All Stars Football League in Umuahia on Sunday, 22 June, the AC Milan winger made a passionate appeal for systemic change in the way young talent is identified and nurtured in Nigeria.
His comments came after his team clinched the title with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over IPOD FC in front of a sizeable and spirited crowd.
“This country needs to start discovering more players from grassroots competitions,” Chukwueze said, addressing spectators and media gathered at the local pitch in Ugba, his hometown in Abia State.
“It’s the only way we can build a stronger and more competitive national team for the future.”
Now 25, Chukwueze’s own journey from the dusty pitches of rural Nigeria to the grand stages of European football is well-documented.
Rising from local obscurity, he first came to national attention through a youth tournament before making his mark at Villarreal in Spain and later moving to Italian giants AC Milan.
The winger said his success is a testament to the potential buried within the country’s grassroots football scene.
“This is where I come from, and this is where it all began for me,” he said, visibly emotional as he looked out at the young players participating in the final.
“There are so many others just like me, waiting for someone to give them a chance. I want the whole world to see what we have here.”
Chukwueze’s grassroots tournament has become a regular fixture in the local football calendar. Designed to unearth hidden talent and provide a platform for young players to showcase their abilities, the competition has grown steadily in reputation and reach.
This year’s edition drew scouts, coaches, and fans from across the region, further highlighting the increasing interest in local football.
“The talent on display here is extraordinary,” Chukwueze said. “I’m confident that some of these players will soon be making headlines, whether in Nigerian leagues or overseas. All they need is exposure and support.”
He urged football authorities in the country to look beyond established academies and international call-ups, and instead place greater emphasis on developing players at home, starting from the grassroots level.
“This kind of platform is a game-changer,” he added. “But it shouldn’t stop here. The Federation must take this seriously. We have the potential to produce world-class footballers from our own backyards.”
The tournament’s final match was a tightly contested affair, ending in a penalty shootout that saw Chukwueze’s side emerge victorious. But beyond the result, the true victory, according to the winger, lies in the opportunity given to young players to dream big.
As fans cheered and celebrations erupted on the modest pitch in Ugba, Chukwueze reminded everyone that football’s future in Nigeria could be bright—if only the right structures are put in place.
“Support them early, believe in them, and Nigeria will reap the rewards on the global stage,” he said.
