Copa Coca-Cola redefines grassroots football

As the 2017 edition of the Copa Coca-Cola grassroots football tournament draws near to its Regional stage, it is now inappropriate to evaluate how the under-15 secondary school’s football initiative is impacting Nigeria’s grassroots and youth development.

This year, over 100,000 teens were registered by the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, for the annual tournament which was initiated by Coca-Cola Nigeria in 2009.

Since inception, Copa Coca-Cola has grown year-in-year-out, offering Nigerian teens an opportunity to not only hone and showcase their football skills towards a successful football career, but also to learn vital life skills that will enhance their potentials in any field of endeavour.

The huge number of participants in the tournament this year emphasises the popularity of football among young people and also the appeal of the Coca-Cola brand and the credibility of Copa Coca-Cola programme.

Wasiu Olawale, who captained his team, Bright Ville College, to lift the Oyo State champions’ trophy at the just concluded grassroots stage of the 2017 COPA Coca-Cola expressed his delight at Coca-Cola’s investment to promote a popular youth passion, and his team’s success as the Oyo State Champions.

I am very happy that we have qualified to represent Oyo state at the regional stage, we came close last year but lost out in the semi-final stage. Now people will be looking up to us to make the State proud again this year as the trophy was also won by Oyo State last year.

Speaking at the Oyo State grassroots final, Patricia Jemibewon, Marketing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria, reaffirmed Coca-Cola’s support for the development of grassroots football across the nation as one of the ways the brand seeks to create life-changing opportunities for Nigerian teens.

Copa Coca-Cola is beyond football. Coca-Cola believes in the limitless potentials of Nigerian teens on and off the football field. The programme also emphasises the value of good education in moulding character, expanding the knowledge base and preparing players for a meaningful life. Through COPA Coca-Cola, these teens are taught such key life values as determination, confidence, discipline, teamwork and respect,”she remarked.

Over 100 secondary schools across Oyo State participated at the grassroots stage of the competition, with a rich display of talent and skills from the young footballers. From this lot, Bright Ville College defeated the 2016 COPA Coca-Cola defending champions, Asegun Comprehensive High School, 3-1, on a penalty shootout, following a barren score line at the completion of the regular time.