Advocates and technocrats of the game have argued that the new ''Rashidi Yekini'' is yet to set foot on planet earth.I have always disagreed with these assertions.
The talents discovered in the 2012 National Sports Festival have been made to go into wilderness and pay the price of a bad society,that care less about budding stars.
One of the positives of the 2012 NSF Football event was Delta State attacker,Kelvin Itoya.The all action forward was also the topscorer of the tournament with a total of 8 goals.
I needed no soothsayer to tell me that Kelvin ought to be in Manu Garba's squad to the 2013 African Cadet Cup scheduled to hold in Morocco.
He opened his festival account with a brace against Abia State at Onikan Waterfront.Despite this feat some fans still doubted his talents.The forward tormented Lagos defence line and set up his team-mate as they silenced the home crowd in a game that attracted 6578 fans.He finally won over his doubters with a hat-trick against Plateau State.Further goals against Oyo and Katsina made him a marked man.
The Delta team emerged as Pool A winners, ahead of the highly fancied hosts.Up next was a semifinal clash against the tiki-taka Cross Rivers side.It was not to be one of his days.The Calabar boys won via penalties.His contribution earned him a standing ovation.Trust Agege fans,they appreciate good football.Itoya earned more admirers with the only goal that sunk Kwara,in the third place playoffs.
The sixteen-year-old striker was handed an eight-day trial by NPFL giants,Warri Wolves.He impressed netting two goals,but was dropped as a result of his young age.
Who says Itoya can't make great strides in the round leather game?Time will tell.
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