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Former Nigeria international, Garba Lawal, believes the influx of European academies into Nigeria will help in contributing to the development of grassroots football and discovering young talents.
Lawal’s reaction came after French giants Olympic Marseille announced that they will have their academy fully operational in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
FIFA regulations on the transfer of minors have seen many top European teams bringing their talent hunt projects to Nigeria through academies.
Spanish giants Barcelona named their football academy in Lagos FC Bescola, while their archrivals Real Madrid have theirs in Port Harourt. West Ham and Danish side FC Midtjylland are among some of the European clubs with a presence in Nigeria.