Guardian

NO fewer than 50 secondary schools from different parts of the country are participating in the maiden edition of the Pepsi Football Academy National Schools Programme, which began on Tuesday at centres across the country.

The competition, which is being organised on regional basis, is holding in eight Nigerian cities - Lagos, Abeokuta, Sagamu, Ilorin, Benin, Enugu, Jos and Kaduna. According to the Director of Pepsi Football Academy, Kasimawo Laloko, each centre is hosting four secondary schools, which will compete on a round-robin format.

The Lagos centre, which comprises Diary Farm Secondary School, Keke High School, Agidingbi Grammar School and Ifako International Secondary School, is at the Agege Stadium, starting from 10a.m.

In Benin, Edo Boys High School will lead other secondary schools, which include Western Boys High School, and Government Model School. Laloko said the programme is part of activities marking the 20th anniversary of the Pepsi Academy.

He explained that the objective of the programme is for each of the 14 Pepsi Football Academy training centres across the country to further strengthen their links with local schools and provide the youngsters with an opportunity to showcase their talents in a competitive situation.

“The programme is further evidence of Pepsi’s commitment to the development of the Nigerian youth, while affording us the opportunity of identifying exceptionally talented youngsters for invitation to join the Pepsi Football Academy,” he said.