TotalEnergies reaffirm plans to groom players for Nigeria’s national teams from OML-58 area

Olivier Cassassoles, Deputy Managing Director, TotalEnergies, handing over the trophy to captain of the victorious Obagi FC.

TotalEnergies has concluded plans to groom players for the Super Eagles and other arms of the national team. The talents would also be encouraged to go international in their football careers.

The players are to be sources from the OML-58 area of Rivers State. This was disclosed Saturday, November 29, 2025, by the deputy managing director, Olivier Cassassoles, at the close of the football competition going on in the area sponsored by NNPC/TEPNG Joint Venture.

Local authorities have however pleaded for more support from the IOCs to help talents go national and international from the competition.

In his speech to motivate the youths at the grand finale, Cassasoles said: “Our aim is to produce players from our communities that will play in the national team or/and at international clubs.”

The two teams playing in the final were Obagi FC and Akabuka FC. He said the the company had huge commitment to the wellbeing and development of the vibrant youths of our OML58 communities.

He stated: “This football competition is more than just a game; it is a unique investment in the youths who are the future of our host communities. It is also an investment in the identification and promotion of talents. This informed the theme of the competition ‘Playing for Peace and Promoting Talents’.

“This competition stands as a testimony to the time-tested relationship between the NNPC/TEPNG Joint Venture and our host communities. Continuing this tradition despite the full implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which places priority on Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT), shows the level of commitment and regard that the company has for its host communities, and sports development.”

The deputy CEO disclosed that TotalEnergies JV partner is currently sponsoring three best players selected from the 21st edition of the competition, in a football academy within the country. “We are committed to sending the best two talents that would be selected from this edition to the same academy for a two-year training.

Read also: As football tournament begins: TotalEnergies restates commitment to invest in youth development

“I will personally announce the names of the two best players selected from this edition during the half-time.”

He announced that from 2026, the tournament would start from the second half of the year. “I therefore urge all our participating communities to start early preparation.

“Let me at this point commend all the teams for their fair play, resilience, and impressive soccer skills. It has been a fair competition with no serious injuries, thanks to the diligent work of the Technical Organizing Committee, the Central Organising Committee and the Local Organizing Committee. I must not forget to express our sincere gratitude to our football regulators and technical partners; the Rivers State Football Association, the Rivers State Football Referees Council, our media partners, and talent scouts for your support and efforts which have given this championship visibility.”

He showered encomiums on the players and their supporters for their spirited participation and peaceful conduct throughout the competition. “As we approach the festive season, I encourage you to maintain this spirit.

“I wish you the best of luck. I look forward to presenting the championship trophy to the best team.”

Shedrack Chukwu Ogbogu, Chairman of ONELGA, pledged that the LGA will provide transportation and other support to any player who secured a club abroad.

The chairman also appealed to NNPCL/TotalEnergies to assist players from the competition who secured a chance to play overseas, saying no player from the competition has ever progressed to the national team nor secured a football career abroad.

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