I have found more Okochas,Kanus...Westerhof

Former Super Eagles coach, Clemens Westerhof, has said Nigeria has more than enough potential footballers to rule the world in the nearest future. The Dutch told nigeriasport.com after a five day screening of players for the Football College of Excellence that with the abundant talents abound in the country Nigeria could rule the world in South Africa in 2010 if well harnessed.

"We have succeeded in discovering new Okochas, Kanus, Amokachis and Tijani Babangidas at the screenings conducted at centres in Ilorin, Sokoto, Kaduna and Lagos. The talents will be ready for the national Under 17 and 20 teams in the next four years," he said.

He said the players discovered raw would be polished in academics and football skills to make them available for professional football. Westerfhof beckoned on national coaches and scouts to come forward for players in the College in future, as the players then could fit into any team in the world.

"Our target at the College, is to groom players who would rule the world at the World Cup in South Afica in 2010," declared the Dutch. He said the final phase of the screening exercises, will come up in January with about 100 to 120 expected to be selected in different age categories.

The Dutch named Emeka Nwaka as the best player of the screening programme and Blessing Asuquo, Adeleke Kazeem and Taiwo Victor, as runners up. Dele Akintujoye emerged the best goalkeeper.

Meanwhile, the one-time head coach of the Zimbabwean national team, has said he was not interested in handling the Super Eagles for now because he has a five- year old contract to see out with the College of Excellence.

He expressed optimism that Austin Eguavoen and his assistants would do a good job based on their experience as former international. "They were all there when we did it at the Nations Cup in Tunisia, 12 years ago and I expect them to fall back on that to do it again," he explained.

On the botched World Cup ticket, Westerhof said Nigeria cost themselves the ticket, but refused to mention names.

.ADEOLU JOHNSON