Renowned football tactician, Coach Gbenga Victor Okunnuwa, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to discovering and nurturing emerging football talents through his annual Gbenvico Football Competition.
The long-standing grassroots tournament, which features both male and female categories, was established in 2006. Although it did not hold in 2010 due to the passing of Coach Okunnuwa’s grandmother and again in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year proudly marks the 17th edition of the prestigious event.
The competition promises thrilling encounters and exciting rewards, including cash prizes, trophies, and medals for the first and second-place winners in each category. Individual honours will also be presented to outstanding performers such as the Most Valuable Player (MVP), Best Goalkeeper, Highest Goal Scorer, Best Team, and Best Coach.
Speaking in an interview, Coach Okunnuwa, who has handled several promising football sides including Sunshine Stars Football Club of Ondo State, emphasized that the essence of the competition is to provide a platform for young footballers to showcase their talents to the world.
Over the years, the Gbenvico Football Competition has produced numerous players who have gone on to play professional football within and outside Nigeria. Among them are:
- Eretan Ireti – Former Sunshine Queens player, now with Edo Queens
- Ekeh Nelly – Former Sunshine Queens player, now plying her trade in the Benin Republic
- Oreyomi Bamigbe – Currently with Sunshine Stars
- Taiwo Aganmuyi – Former Sunshine Queens player, now with Ibom Angels
- Kehinde Aganmuyi – Former Sunshine Queens player, now with Bayelsa Queens
Coach Okunnuwa further stated that one of his major goals is to continue supporting the growth of football in Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State, and Nigeria at large, by scouting and identifying raw talents from the nooks and crannies of the state.
Credit to Isaac Afolabi.