Iyanya makes surprise appearance as MTN Football Scholars tour kicks off in Uni Abuja

Students of the University of Abuja got a pleasant surprise when Kukere crooner, Iyanya made a surprise performance to flag off the kick off of the 2015 edition of MTN Football Scholars 2015 edition. This year’s edition will see the Football Scholars travelling to select Universities across the country to engage the Universities’ school team.

The participating schools this year will be University of Abuja, Enugu State University of Technology (ESUT), Federal University of Technology,Akure and the University of Lagos

For the spectators present at the opening match held at the University of Abuja, it was a rare opportunity to engage with the Iyanya as the MTN Ambassador took the appreciative audience through a repertoire of some of his hit songs.

The tour kicked off on a disappointing note for the Ambassadors as they lost by three goals to one.

It wasn't all football as the spectators went home with lots of freebies ranging from smartphones and branded T-shirts won from a raffle draw at the game.

Also present at the event was Nigerian former Nigerian International, Emmanuel Amuneke who also doubles as coach of Nigerian’s U-17 team. 

Commending the initiative, Emmanuel Emenike who was in attendance said that MTN’s efforts in developing footballing talent in the country is well appreciated and thanked them for bringing the initiative to life.

"The effort of MTN in creating this program is a welcome development and well appreciated.” He said. Also speaking during the event was Joe Erico, Coach of the MTN Scholar’s team.

According to him, the experience of schooling and horning their football skills abroad would help the young footballers in their aspirations.

The MTN Football Scholars initiative is a youth oriented program of MTN Nigeria aimed at providing credible platform for young boys between the ages of 14-17 years to excel and become top flight footballers. 

Now in its fifth season, the MTN Football Scholars initiative is now one of Nigeria’s foremost talent development/education platform.

This year, 23 beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme will participate in the tour across the select universities. The grand finale of the event will be held at the University of Lagos, Unilag on August 5.