By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
In a bold community-driven move to fight cultism, unemployment, and lack of direction among youths, the Chief Executive Officer of Delta Lion Football Club, Chief Ogbuenyi Philip Chuks Onwuatogwu, has launched a grassroots football scouting program in Illah, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The initiative, held at Omorka Model Primary School, attracted scouts from Europe and aims to export local football talent to international clubs.
Speaking passionately about the motivation behind the project, Onwuatogwu said, “Right now, I’m doing this to promote our boys, to let them know the value of football. It’s not about me, it’s about helping them create opportunities for themselves and their families. When they succeed, my name will be remembered as someone who did something for his community.”
He revealed that Delta Lion FC has already sent five players to Italy and is preparing another batch for Thailand. “We’ve chosen six to seven orphans who will move to Lagos for documentation. This club, which started small, is now known across Europe,” he added.
According to Onwuatogwu, many of the players come from troubled backgrounds. “Most of our boys are into cultism. This is my way of pulling them out. Helping people is my hobby,” he said.
However, he lamented the poor condition of the football pitch used for the exercise and appealed for infrastructural support. “I won’t say I need help, but God will help me to help them,” he added.
The scouting exercise featured teams from within and outside the community, including Bullet Club and Ibu players. Also present was Coach Gabriel Owen alongside two others, Coach Oman and Coach Bento.
Onwuatogwu appealed to the Delta State Government for better support. “They’re not doing enough. Football unites communities and pulls youth away from crime. Government must invest in sports development,” he said.
His call was echoed by Ogbuenyi Anthony Obi Onelum, the Onoi Azanoma of Illah, who emphasized the community’s hope that selected players make it internationally. “We’re not doing this for money. We’re doing it to help our youths. By God’s grace, this won’t be the last,” he said.
Also speaking, Pastor Robinson Samuel Oyibo, Director of Act Sports and Torino FC Academy, confirmed the impact of the partnership. “We took five players and a coach to Italy. We also have scouts here from Turkey, Spain, Finland, and Macedonia. We’re selecting new players to travel abroad,” he said.
Oyibo commended Chief Onwuatogwu’s efforts, saying, “He has been instrumental to our scouting trips. That’s why we came all the way here with seven partners to identify more talents.”
Hilary Azodo, Torino’s scouting director and ex-footballer, acknowledged the poor pitch but praised the talent. “Even with the bad pitch, we’ve spotted great players. We’re taking quality, not quantity. We’ve done this since June, and Illah is our final stop before we return to Lagos,” he said.
Kelvin Etemike, chief scout of OTP and Director at Tristone Sport Management, stressed that sport is a tool for peace and development. “There are many gifted youths in Illah. Government must invest in sports facilities to harness their potential,” he stated.
Ertekin Haluk Emre, co-founder of a Macedonian club and licensed FIFA agent, said, “This is my second scouting trip to Nigeria. Illah has raw talent, but the facilities are lacking. Good football needs good fields. Nigeria has the talent; what’s missing is structure and support.”
Ex-national team player Peter Nieketien, one of the international scouts, joined others in praising the initiative. “What we’re doing here is transformational. With support, these boys can reach Europe and beyond.”
E.S.V. Nsolo Victor Chukwudi, President of Illah Youth Association of Nigeria (IYAN), said the community is proud. “We thank Chief Onwuatogwu for his selfless work. During our time, such opportunities never came. The youths now have hope.”
As the scouts concluded the selection and prepared to depart for Lagos, three players were confirmed ready for immediate international processing, with more under review. The program promises not just football careers, but a complete shift in the lives of young people from Illah.
Onwuatogwu concluded, “We want to raise stars who will one day be greater than Ronaldo or Jay-Jay Okocha. With faith and support, we will do it.”