By USMAN ALIYU

Super Eagles and Fenerbah?e defender Bright Samuel-Osayi on Thursday unveiled the 2nd Bright Osayi U-13 Football Tournament, announcing a richer prize purse to spur grassroots talent in Edo.

Addressing a media parley in Benin through his uncle, Michael Osaro, he said the youth championship was to ?shape character, kindle friendships and transform raw skills into professional promise.?

The Nigerian international urged the youngsters to savour the joy of play and the lessons sport taught beyond the final whistle.

Samuel-Osagie, who rose from local pitches to Europe?s top flights, stressed that every participant would leave with lessons that last longer than trophies.

According to him, the tournament is more than just a competition, but a platform to natural talent.

?To my young players, I urge you to give your best, learn from each other, and enjoy the game.

?Remember, winning is not everything. It?s about the joy of playing, the thrill of competition, and the lesson you learn along the way.

?To our coaches, officials, and supporters, thank you very much for your tireless efforts in shaping these young minds and bodies.

?Your contributions are invaluable to the growth of football in our state.

?As we celebrate the second edition of this tournament, we look forward to witnessing the emergence of new stars, the growth of existing talent, and a display of exceptional sportsmanship,? he said.

In his address of welcome, Fred Erhunmwunse, Chairman, Edo Football Association described the maiden edition as the most successful youth tourney in the state.

He commended the sponsor for the investment in grassroot sports development, seeking the collaboration of the participating teams and other stakeholders to ensure a more successful event.

He also urged the players to take advantage of the inherent goodies in the tourney, saying talent discovered would be engaged for future tournaments.

The football association chairman said the star prize for the first edition was N1 million, but the sponsor had pledged to increase the stake for this edition.

The first runners up, he said, was N750,000 while third prize is N500,000.

He said other novel awards in the 2025 edition were best behaved team, and individual awards, including highest goal scorer, best defender, most valuable player, man of the man and best coach. (NAN)

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